THE SPECIAL mission of the University of São Paulo's Institute of Advanced Studies is here outlined, with focus on a broad agenda involving global, national and institutional problems. The survival of the biosphere of the Planet Earth is endangered by global changes caused by human activities. In addition, the international environment is poisoned by the political unilateralism and commercial protectionism of the developed countries. The role of Brazil in this complex world holds extraordinary political and commercial challenges. Our national Science and Technology Policy has been successful in terms of postgraduate human resources and scientific production, but has lagged behind in applying knowledge and promoting technological innovation, thus endangering our international competitiveness, economical development and social welfare. The University of São Paulo and its Institute of Advanced Studies have great responsibilities in the discussion of national as well as international problems.