BUDAPEST, Nov. 10 (Xinhuanet) -- The second World Science Forum opened here Thursday, which is focused on the inter-relationship of knowledge, ethics and responsibility.

    Opening the three-day event, Hungarian President Laszlo Solyom emphasized the need of links between basic and applied research, and the importance of sharing scientific achievements with others.

    E. Szilveszter Vizi, president of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences (MTA), said the forum would offer an excellent opportunity for scientists and decision-makers to discuss the role of science in everyday life, and examine the ethical issues of scientific research.

    The MTA president called it a moral obligation for scientists to guarantee the proper utilization of knowledge, and resolve social, psychological, environmental, healthy and economic problems.

    Greeting the participants in the capacity of co-organizer, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Director-General Koichiro Matsuura noted that the World Science Day for Peace and Development, initiated by UNESCO, is being celebrated on the same day.

    "For scientific achievements to serve the most possible people, scientists should work in a responsible way, with respect for cultural diversity, personal freedom and human dignity," Matsuura said.

    The forum is being attended by 400 people from 80 countries, including three Nobel-laureates, and 150 Hungarian scientists and researchers.

    The first World Science Forum, held in Budapest two years ago, examined the relationship between science and society. Enditem