Research institutions and their activities [antikvár]

PREFACE"In the beginning God created heaven and earth. And the earth was void and empty and darkness was upon the face of the deep." From the very first days of human society man has been induced to search the unknown. Knowledge has always been a fundamental power of mankind. Science - as an essence of knowledge comprises that profound intellectual activity which is manifested in studying natural and social phenomena of our universe.The Hungarian Academy of Sciences for almost two centuries now, has a threefold task concerning its activities. In the first place, as a scientific body, it has a role in directing of research going on throughout the country, and in the elaboration, execution and supervision of research programmes. It coordinates research, and evaluates the progress being made in the field of sciences. Secondly, the Academy owns and manages the biggest network of research institutions in Hungary. The third task of the Academy is related to the responsibility in improving the intellectual power of the nation by rendering a service to all edeavours of progress in knowledge.At the porch of the third millennium the Academy has to face new challenges as well. Hungary, as a prosperous fellow country of the international community has to have a share in that enormous scientific work which is being done in favour of fighting poverty and famine, violence and evil, and which may contribute to the physical and mental development of the world's wealth.According to some rudiments of medieval wisdom, books have their own fate. All books are belived to carry information from writer to reader. This booklet was compiled and written upon a decision to provide readers with valuable information concerning the scope and field of research work done at the scientific institutions of the Academy. We do hope, that the following passages will enable readers to get acquainted with the research network of ours.Budapest, May 2002Norbert Kroö