An NSS-sponsored expedition is a field project involving a team effort of significant, sustained, continuous duration with specified objectives which address at least one of the following topics:
A. Original subterranean exploration leading to substantial new knowledge of a given region or cave system.
B. Scientific field research leading to substantial new knowledge of the process of formation, the indigenous fauna and flora, the history and ecology of a cave system or karst region, and the performance and behavior of man in the subterranean environment.
C. Field testing of new apparatus and techniques which offer significant promise for extending the capabilities of subterranean explorers and researchers.
How many NSS members should be on an NSS-sponsored expedition? Hard and fast rules should not apply since it is possible that the NSS could receive substantial rewards merely from having one NSS member on a multinational expedition. However, expeditions comprising a majority of NSS members will receive priority consideration.
In addition to the above, the applicant expedition should promise the following:
A. The NSS will be recognized as a sponsoring institution in any publications resulting from the expedition.
B. The NSS will receive a written report on the findings of the expedition for publication in the NSS NEWS within one calendar year of the return of the expedition. More complete documentation of the expedition would, of course, be welcome in the NSS BULLETIN.
C. The name of the NSS or the NSS official sponsorship status is not to be used in any manner which would detract from the professional standing of the Society.
It will be the responsibility of the Exploration Committee to assure the applicant expedition abides by the rules listed above.
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