Featured in this issue is an article by Jiří Wiedermann, the director of the Institute of Computer Science of the ASCR, on periodical research assessment in the field of Computer Sciences in the Netherlands from 2002-2008. All publicly funded research in the Netherlands is evaluated once every six years. The evaluation system aims at three objectives regarding research and research management: improvement of the quality of research through an assessment carried out in accord with international standards of quality and relevance; improvement of research management and leadership; seeking higher levels of accountability by research organizations and funding organizations, government and the society at large. and Jiří Wiedermann.
We introduce the comments of four other directors of Academy institutes, who were asked these three questions: In which direction will they lead the development of their institutes? What are they doing to achieve excellence in science? How will they evaluate the work in accordance with the new statutes called Public Research Institution?