Special attention was devoted to analysis of humanitarian and philosophical problems of evolution of humankind on the planet Earth and in the Universe. Among them were methodological, economic, sociological and medical aspects of the progress of civilization. Scientists from different countries put forward some practical proposals, including those describing the possible ways out of the systemic crisis of our civilization.

Contents:

• The Quest for Immortability on a Unsustainable Planet (J Cairns, Jr.)
• Science as a (Transitory) Phase in Human Evolution (E Leibowits)
• On Possible Limits to Understanding the Universe (R Albrecht)
• The Future of Astronomy: Exploration of the Gravitational Wave Spectrum (D Blair)
• Future and Origin of Our Universe: Modern View (A Starobinsky)
• The Topology of the Universe (M Lachičze-Rey)
• Cold Dark Matter and Massive Neutrinos in the Universe and in the Lab (L Maiani)
• Black Holes and Gamma Ray Burst: From Death of Stars to the Birth of Quasars (R Ruffini)
• The Future of Our Sun and Stars (N Mowlavi)
• SETI and the Galactic Belt of Life (B Balázs)
• The Future of Biological Diversity: A Lament or Hungarian Rhapsody? (R Martin)
• Global Aspects of Agriculture Sustainability (C Edwards & D Pimental)
• Globalization and Civilization: Renaissance or Decline? (E Hankiss)
• The Importance of Science Literacy (L Lederman)
• New Moral Duties of Science Education For All (G Marx)
• International Cooperation in Science (J Marton-Lefevre)
• and other papers