Scholaship programme Science beyond Borders

What is SBB?

It is a special scholarship program through which we aim to create space for new ideas and student activities. It is deeply rooted in both our faculty and our home city of Ostrava. It serves as a platform to revitalize the faculty and the city itself, bring the beauty of the natural sciences closer to the public, share our knowledge and enhance the faculty′s reputation, and—through diverse activities—connect Czech and international students while drawing them into faculty life. Social responsibility is also a priority for us; we expect the program to reflect the fact that the world does not end at our faculty walls. Through the SBB scholarship program, you can, for example, organize popular science lectures, produce educational videos, publish a student magazine, host workshops, engage in environmental initiatives, or tutor schoolchildren. There are no limits to creativity, though ideas must, of course, be grounded in reality.

Who can get involved?

We welcome students from our Faculty of Science who take an interest in the world around them and view their studies as more than just a path to a degree. SBB is designed for enthusiasts with ideas who want to bring them to life. This opportunity is open to both individuals and groups (support can be sought by our students acting independently, student associations active at the faculty, or fellow students affiliated with the faculty).

Activities you can do within the SBB framework include:

1. fostering the faculty′s student community, particularly by developing connections across departments;
2. promoting the faculty and its activities to secondary school students, students from other universities, and partners of the faculty or the University of Ostrava;
3. developing the faculty international relations, such as integrating international students into faculty life or encouraging our students to study abroad and attracting international students to the faculty;
4. organizing outreach activities beyond the faculty, including educational and public engagement initiatives, projects for the non-profit sector, and development or humanitarian activities;
5. providing tutoring for primary and secondary school students, especially those from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds (currently a priority activity that will be given significant weight when evaluating applications).

Combining activities across the areas mentioned above is an advantage and will be taken into account—and valued—during the application review process!

What do I need to do to obtain a grant?

You must complete the Project Proposal for the SBB program (the document can also be found under the "Propose Your Project" tile) and email it to us by November 30. In addition to your contact details, we need to know the proposed activities you wish to focus on during the upcoming calendar year (January 1 – December 31) under the SBB scholarship program. We also require a cost estimate for each activity and a breakdown of budget items (the minimum total budget per project is CZK 40,000). It is also essential that you designate a project leader who will be responsible for the project and for preparing both the interim progress report and the final report.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the grant program coordinator, Markéta Kotalová.

What happens after the project proposal is submitted?

Once the submission period closes, you will be invited to present your proposal to the Committee of the Faculty of Science. The Committee will evaluate the overall quality of the project applications and their alignment with the scholarship program′s requirements. Among other things, the Committee will assess whether your project meets the SBB objectives, whether the proposed activities represent an efficient use of funds, and whether the stated goals are realistically achievable. Additionally, the Committee may recognize the project′s innovativeness and its potential impact on target groups and the Faculty. During the selection process, the Committee may propose modifications to individual proposals, including budget adjustments and cost reductions. Based on these criteria, the Committee will select the best project proposals and submit its recommendation to the Dean of the Faculty, who will then make the final decision regarding the allocation of funding to specific projects.

Where can I find out the outcome of my proposal?

The list of funded projects will be published on the University of Ostrava portal. Additionally, Markéta Kotalová, the Student Activities Coordinator, will inform all project applicants of the Dean′s decision; she will also discuss with the applicant any potential project modifications or budget reductions proposed by the Faculty of Science Committee. If any modifications or budget cuts are incompatible with your plans, you have the option to withdraw from implementing the project, provided you submit a justification.

Funds for your activities will be drawn down on an ongoing basis in accordance with the proposed spending plan—specifically through a "Request for Scholarship Payment" under the SBB program and a "Request for Expense Reimbursement" (which must always be accompanied by an itemized list of expenses).

Updated: 12. 10. 2026