Materials Science and Engineering – Some Aspects in Central and Eastern European (CEE) Countries

Abstract

Abstract This introductory paper summarizes the characteristics of how “Science” and “Engineering” differ from each other, forming the interdisciplinary topic of Materials Science and Engineering (MS&E). It will be shown how microelectronics has developed from modern materials science, causing a change in paradigm, and how microelectronics has become the “mother” science of informatics, changing life on Earth. To prove the importance of materials, a table is shown summarizing how modern MS&E forms the basis of practically all industries. The situation and development state of MS&E in CEE countries - despite different levels of industrialization – have some characteristics in common, and the way to development might also have techniques in common. We will also mention the knowledge base that CEE countries possessed during the period of political change, and the likely future that an elderly scientist foresees for the region with the help of young ambitious scientists.