Noting considerable successes in the development of studies on the structure and functions of the basal ganglia (as discussed at the most recent Congress), we naturally cannot see a number of major shortcomings of this process. In particular, there is concern regarding the methodological level of investigations. These are not always of world standard. Biochemical, cytoimmunological, and genetic methods are not frequently used in Russian reports. Most information on these points is obtained from foreign authors. The disadvantages of the papers presented to the Congress include the low level of complexity of the physiological studies of the basal ganglia, and this comment is even more applicable to pathology investigations. I believe that the absence of a single, centrally-directed program is a disadvantage in the organization of studies of the basal ganglia; such a program would unite and coordinate investigations in this field beyond the remits of the participating institutions in which the studies are carried out. Finally, there remains the unsolved problem of financing scientific endeavors and paying for the labor of our scientists. I would suggest that solution of these problems would create the conditions needed for progress in the development of such important areas of biology and medicine as that of studying the structure and function of the basal ganglia in humans and animals.