07/1999

Academic bulletin 07/1999

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Resume

The highlight of this issue is the address by the President of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Professor Rudolf Zahradník, which he presented at the 14^th Assembly of ASCR held on April 28^th, 1999.

In his speech Professor Zahradník focused his attention on the current state of science and social life in our country. (The most significant sections of Prof. Zahradník´s address, published in the issue, have been selected by Academic Bulletin)

Dr. Milan Mráz, Ph.D., Director of the Institute of Philosophy, lectured on the "Two Challenges of the Ancient Philosophy". He commented on the theories of ancient philosophers, particularly Socrates, Plato and Aristotle.

The speeches were followed by a broad discussion on the topics ranging from the activities of the Grant Agency of the Czech Republic to the problems of the new version of the University Education Act and the co-operation between the universities and the ASCR.

The participants of the assembly also discussed some recent programs of the Czech Public Television, devoted to science and research.

Resolution of the 14^th Assembly of ASCR

The decision of the Board of Research and Development Council of the Government of the Czech Republic regarding:

• The proper usage of financial resources for science and research (dated April 21^st, 1999).
• The debate concerning the activities of the Grant Agency of the Czech Republic (dated May 3^rd, 1999).

Science - Research - Society

The Institute of Plasma Physics of ASCR celebrates the 40^th anniversary of its foundation. The Institute represents one of the most progressive and well-equipped workplaces in Europe.

The graduation ceremony of scholars who obtained their CSc.(eq. Ph.D.) and DrSc. (eq. D.Sc) degrees was held in the Great Hall of the Karolinum on May 6^th, 1999. The state prologue was led by Karel Jungwirth, M.Sc., a Vice-President of ASCR

DILIA is a shielding organization for authors, which ensures compliance with the copyright law. The academic community has not yet utilized the services of this society to their fullest. DILIA appeals to scientists (and authors) to submit their works and offers to make a contract with them.

Portraits

Petr Pravec, M.Sc., is an outstanding young scientist doing research at the Astronomical Institute of ASCR. Recently, he has been working on the project "Photometry and Astrometry of Asteroids and Comets". In the field of photometry of these objects, this project is one of the most successful in the world.

Polemic

"Tady a teď" (Here and Now), the series on the 1^st channel of the Czech Public Television, recently released a program on the Grant Agency of the Czech Republic. The program brought about long-standing controversies about the quality of the projects and accusations of a collision of concerns. Academic Bulletin tries to help resolve this deplorable situation, which creates a bad impression in the public about the state of science in our country, providing space to both sides involved in this conflict. The present issue offers the opinions of therepresentatives of the Grant Agency of CR, Professor Karel Štulík and Rostislav Mach, M.Sc., and also of members of the Committee for Science, Education, Culture, Youth and Sport of the Parliament of the Czech Republic. Related reactions and polemics follow the article.

Topical Supplement: "Getting old..."

The problems of the elderly - the social and clinical aspects of old age - are discussed in depth.