[One step forward, one step back. Research policy in the 1990's--a link in a historical sequence]

A description is presented of the major problems in Danish research in the nineteen nineties, including internationalization, competition, concentration, training of research workers, transparency, connections with the surrounding community and ability of drawing conclusions. Elements in the Danish research system and the research policy are described. Connections are then made with the situations at the end of the nineteen sixties and beginning of the nineteen seventies when the new research council established a considerable part of the basis upon which we build today. Finally, freedom in research and the responsibilities of research and research workers for the community are mentioned.