Directory of cell research laboratories/Répertoire des laboratoires de recherches sur la cellule [antikvár]

The present Directory of Cell Research Laboratories represents a major step towards the attainment of Unesco's objective to increase international co-operation in the field of cell research. Cell research, together with brain research, has been chosen among the life sciences as an area deserving special attention on the part of Unesco. During recent years these two branches of science have undergone great developments. However, these developments have been concentrated in a small number of research centres in certain parts of the world, and it is a matter of great concern that the newly acquired knowledge should be widely diffused so as to enable scientists from all countries and regions to contribute to the best of their talents to further achievements in these fields. Furthermore, the kind of knowledge originating from these branches of research constitutes a major contribution to mankind's intellectual conceptions about the world around him. In its efforts to promote international co-operation in cell research, Unesco started by stimulating the creation of the International Cell Research Organization (ICRO), which is an association of top-level scientists, chosen as widely as possible from different regions of the world, who are deeply concerned to encourage further developments in their field of research. ICRO's form as a non-governmental scientific organization having consultative status with Unesco permits great flexibility in Unesco's cell biology programme and ensures that activities are always up to date. The second step in developing international co-operation in the field of cell research was to seek a much wider participation of research centres than could be achieved through the members of ICRO alone. This aim is expected to be fulfilled by the publication of the present Directory. The Directory is based on a wide-spread inquiry among cell research laboratories able and willing to contribute to international activities. Not all the laboratories contacted responded to the Unesco/ICRO questionnaire. However, it was decided not to pursue increasing the coverage of the Directory at the expense of possibly long delays in its publication. It was considered that the present number of somé 400 laboratories listed in the Directory provides a firm base for further steps in the intensification of international activities in cell research. It is believed that the Directory, and the international activities in which the laboratories listed herein will be called on to participate, will contribute to raising the level of consciousness of cell and molecular biologists regarding the needs and promises of increased international co-operation. The Directory is the product of a great effort on behalf of ICRO, accomplished with modest means. Unesco wishes to express its gratitude to all who have contributed to the work.