Basic and applied research in the field of ecology, botany and hydrobiology. Research is carried out in the following topics: Organisation and dynamics of biocoenoses; Biodiversity patterns at various scales; Hydrobiology of running and standing waters and wetlands; Ecological effects of climate- and land use changes; Conservation biology and restoration ecology; Exploring and utilising new plant resources; Investigation and analysis of natural vegetation in Hungary; As a special task, the maintenance and development of the collections of the Botanical Garden.