Editorial
Dear Readers,
At present, the Helmholtz Association is much influenced by POF, programme-oriented funding. Three of our six research fields are in the process of being assessed by well-respected experts from home and abroad and are examined with regards to the scientific quality and strategic relevance of their Research Programmes. These are the research fields Earth and Environment, Health as well as Aeronautics, Space and Transport. The recommendations resulting from this assessment will be the basis for the basic funding of our research centres until the next assessment in five years from now. The competitive situation is intended to contribute to the development of research projects featuring the highest possible scientific standards. Moreover, POF provides planning security for five years, so that the scientists are free to investigate also complex and highly time consuming questions of high social relevance.
Wishing you enjoyable reading,
