Speleological Union of Ireland cave leaders and new cavers and represents cavers' interests in disputes with landowners. It also works to protect Irish caves from damage by human influence, including dumping, quarrying, development, and promotes a strong conservation ethic to cavers. The organisation promotes awareness of caves and safe caving, providing information for beginners wishing to try caving. The SUI publishes a scientific journal, "Irish Speleology", and grant aid is often provided by the organisation for international caving expeditions. In August 2012 the Kozłowski Fund was additionally set up to support cave exploration within Ireland, in memory of prolific cave diver and explorer Artur
European and American voyages of scientific exploration shifted from the Portuguese and Spanish to the Dutch and then the British and French. The new era of scientific exploration began in the late 17th century as scientists, and in particular natural historians, established scientific societies that published their researches in specialist journals. The British Royal Society was founded in 1660 and encouraged the scientific rigour of empiricism with its principles of careful observation and deduction. Activities of early members of the Royal Society served as models for later maritime exploration. Hans Sloane (1650–1753) was elected a member in 1685 and travelled to Jamaica from 1687 to 1689 as