The European Southern Observatory (ESO) celebrates fifty years since the signing of its founding convention. Over the last half century, ESO has become the world's most productive ground-based astronomical observatory. The signing of the ESO Convention on October, 5, 1962 and the foundation of ESO was the culmination of the vision of leading astronomers from five European countries: Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden. They had decided to join forces for the purpose of building a large telescope that would give them access to the magnificent and rich southern sky. Operating three unique and world-class observing sites in Chile (at La Silla, Paranal and Chajnantor), ESO has become a leader in the astronomical research community. To celebrate the 50th anniversary, ESO and its partners (including the Czech Republic) are organising many events and public initiatives during 2012. and Marina Hužvárová.
Představitelé české akademické i univerzitní vědy diskutovali 15. dubna 2014 v Senátu Parlamentu ČR o udržitelnosti výzkumných center, která vznikají s podporou operačních programů prakticky ve všech regionech České republiky. Na semináři, v jehož průběhu byly jednotlivé projekty představeny, vystoupil i místopředseda vlády pro vědu, výzkum a inovace Pavel Bělobrádek. and Luděk Svoboda.