Perspectives of Science in Central and Eastern Europe

From 30 November to 1 December 2000, 140 scientists and science policy makers from west and east - among them many young scientists - gathered in Dresden to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of science in central and eastern Europe ten years after the end of communism. The proceedings of this meeting include lectures about cultures of knowledge in the east and west by two intellectuals: Andrei Plesu, Romanian Minister for Cultural Affairs, and Wolf Lepenies, Rector of the Institute for Advanced Study in Berlin. The book takes a look into career opportunities for young scientists in central and Eastern Europe in selected areas. It shows how the transition process has led to a new role of the universities in some countries in central and eastern Europe, highlights the important role of the social sciences and humanities in supporting the transition process, and describes promising fields of east-west co-operation. Gunter Stock, head of research at the pharmaceutical company Schering AG, explains what industry can benefit from scientific excellence in central and eastern Europe.