When defining the aims of forest reserve research, the definition of forest reserves and the aim of designating them should be considered first. According to this the research of the undisturbed (natural) processes of the forest is the most important aspect. Since almost all of the forest reserves in Hungary have been managed earlier their structure and function differs significantly from natural old-growth forests free from direct human impact. Thus we need to use the knowledge available on the still existing natural old-growth forests of the world as well. Besides following the changes and development processes in the abandoned reserves we also need to understand those occurring in managed forests. In order to examine the effect of present and theoretically possible other management methods on the forests' composition, structure, diversity, health, stability, etc. we need to find the basic similarities and differences between the structure and function of natural (near-natural) and managed forests.

The primary aim of designating forest reserves was to promote the research of the natural development and the resulting structure of the forests. The main aspects to examine are the following:

• Stand structures resulting from natural forest development;
• The relationship between natural structural elements and the elements of biodiversity;
• Regeneration processes;
• Natural disturbances and their role;
• Soil development in relation with natural forest cycles;
• Testing theories serving as a basis of forest management practices.