What happens to my money if I deposit it in a bank that's involved in scientific research?

I totally get why you're intrigued by the idea of supporting scientific research through your banking, but also worried about the safety of your money - it's a big purchase you're saving for, after all. From what I've learned, banks that invest in research projects usually keep customer deposits separate from their own investments, so your money should be safe. They often use a separate fund for research investments, which is funded by the bank's own capital or through specific investment products that customers can opt into.

I'd recommend checking the bank's terms and conditions to see how they manage customer deposits and research investments. You should also look into the bank's reputation and track record, which you've already done, and it sounds like they have a good one. It's also a good idea to ask the bank directly about how they handle customer deposits and what kind of returns you can expect - they should be transparent about their investment strategies and risks involved.

As for returns, it's likely that the bank will offer similar interest rates to what you'd find at other banks, possibly with some additional benefits or rewards for supporting their research initiatives. However, I wouldn't expect your deposits to be directly invested in research projects, unless you've specifically opted into an investment product that does so. The bank's research investments are usually funded by their own capital or through separate investment products, so your deposits should be relatively safe and liquid.

Ultimately, it's up to you to decide whether you're comfortable with the bank's approach to research investments and customer deposits. If you're still unsure, you could consider talking to a financial advisor or doing some more research to help you make a decision that works for you and your savings goals. I hope that helps, and I wish you all the best with your big purchase - I'm sure you'll make an informed decision that works for you!