Structure and mode of operation of a neurosurgical central institute is demonstrated by the example of the Budapest clinic. In this clinic, which was founded by L. Zoltán in 1954, there are 140 beds, 53 physicians, 167 nurses and medical-technical assistants as well as 136 other auxiliary and administrative personnel. There are three operating rooms in which all interventions of modern neurosurgery can be performed; the neuroradiological department uses all commonly used methods including computer tomography. There are separate wards for adults and children in both the intensive care and the normal wards. All principal consultants are members of the clinic; the operative work is done by 23 neurosurgeons. In recent years, quite a number of new operation techniques have been introduced into routine practice. Among these there are the transsphenoid interna anastomoses, the Janetta technique in trigeminus neuralgia, etc. Much value is attached to international contacts and all important international congresses are attended. Every year, one of two physicians stay at foreign special institutes over a prolonged period of time. In 1978 alone, the Budapest clinic was visited by 40 foreign scientists. Further information is acquired by the subscription to 53 home and foreign journals. The institute takes an active part in the postgraduate education of the Academy for Postgraduate Medical Education. In the field of research, six main directions are followed, where necessary in close co-operation with foreign establishments. In the last 25 years, 740 publications have been published. The Central Institute has an assisting and advisory function for the other neurosurgical establishments in Hungary.