Research and technology in the Federal Republic of Germany enjoy international distinction in many fields; indeed, German achievements in highly important areas have set new standards and influenced research and development world wide. This applies in equal measure to the natural sciences, the humanities and, in particular, to the applied engineering and biotechnical sciences. The carefully selected and representative examples given in this publication provide an overview of outstanding achievements by German Researchers and research institutions. Thirty-one research projects are highlighted in this book, dealing with: (1) such equipment and technologies as the synchrotron, nuclear fusion, transportation (railways), and mining; and (2) such topics and disciplines as biomagnetism, subatomic physics, radio astronomy, the earth's upper crust, ancient carthage, human though processes, synergetics, and a computer model for world politics. In each synopsis, a brief history and a discussion of the purposes and achievements of the project are included. (CW)