Background

The system of Academy institutes is specific to Central and Eastern Europe and is to a certain extent similar throughout the entire region. Institutes and groups devoted to the research of polymers throughout the region count several hundreds of polymer scientists, which makes them a considerable resource even at the European level. However this potential is often not optimally used due to various institutional limitations. Since the network brings together institutes in countries of different sizes, different international status (EU members, associated countries and non-members) and different status (fully part of academy and independent institutions) there are many opportunities to exchange experiences in order to avoid needless experimenting in the transition process.