Academic bulletin 03/2003
RESUME
SCIENCE AND EUROPE
Top Czech scientists answer the question: What should Czech science bring to the EU and what should be left behind?
EVENT
Science considers industry as its partner
The Czech Academy of Sciences and the Union of Industries and Transport of the Czech Republic have signed a framework agreement of co-operation. It defines fields and forms of co-operation aimed at increasing the production efficiency and competition potential of industries in this country, first of all through improving co-operation between institutions dealing with basic and applied research and through the transfer of the latest scientific findings into industrial use.
TOPIC OF THE MONTH
Top Czech scientists specializing in molecular biology, genetics, medicine, neurosciences as well as ethics have met to discuss the topical and rather controversial issue of clonIng. They unanimously rejected reproductive cloning of human beings and debated the potential of and moral problems connected with so-called therapeutic cloning, namely the use of stem cells for therapeutic purposes.
SCIENTIFIC COUNCIL
Changes within the Scientific Council
The Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic introduces a new medal bearing the name of Vojtěch Náprstek, which is to be awarded for the popularization of science.
SCIENCE AND RESEARCH
Comets Have Come and Gone
In January and February this year both professional and amateur astronomers could observe two bright comets which got close to the Sun on their way through the solar system. Leading Czech astonomer Jiří Borovička explains what comets in general are like, what they are made of and what those celestial bodies can tell us about the development of our solar system.
Prospects of co-operation with scientists in Hong Kong
Following their visit to six universities in Hong Kong, Czech specialists are optimistic about chances of co-operation with their colleagues in that part of the world.
The International Symposium on Cornea and Contact Lenses
It was held in this country last December and focused on the physiology, pathology and chemistry of the cornea and other parts of the eye and on issues related to the use of contact lenses.
Historians do research together
About the work of the joint Czech and Slovak Board of Historians
40 Years of basic research in crystalization for industries in the Czech Republic
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE CZECH REPUBLIC
A report on the 171st session the Czech Government Research and Development Council.
NEWS FROM THE ACADEMIC COUNCIL
A report on the 28th session of the Academic Council of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic.
PORTRAITS FROM THE ARCHIVES
Josef Thomayer (1853-1927)
150 years have passed since the birth Josef Thomayer, who was not only an outstanding physician and one of the founders of Czech medical science, but also a gifted author.
INTERVIEW
With Professor Vratislav Schreiber about biomedicine and other issues.
SCIENTIFIC SOCIETIES
This time the section introduces the Society for Sciences and the Arts.
FINDINGS COMPILED IN PROJECTS SUPPORTED BY THE GRANT AGENCY
The Grant Agency of the Czech Academy of Sciences held another in a series of specialized seminars reporting on interesting results of grant projects supported by the Grant Agency. This time the seminar focused on the use of both experimental and theoretical methods in determining the structure of HIV proteasis with selected inhibitors. It also dealt with hypertension and a metabolic syndrome.
CULTURE AND SOCIETY
Earthquakes of the past have been depicted in old carvings and engravings.
INTRODUCING PROJECTS
Documents of Czech foreign policy between the years 1918 and 1945.
AWARDS
Professor Petr Wittlich has been awarded the František Palacký Medal for his work in the field of the social sciences.
The Ernest Mach Medal has been presented to Doctor Vladislav Babuška and Doctor Vladimír Čermák from the Geophysical Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences.
An honorary doctorate of Charles University has been awarded to Professor Theodor Hellbrugge, a renowned pediatrician and the founder of the first Children's Centre in Munich.
FROM ACADEMIA PUBLISHING HOUSE
Specialized books from Academia Publishing House
A list of bestsellers