1 Introduction

Studies on stellar structure and evolution are obviously very important for the understanding of the nature of galaxies. Population synthesis methods have shown that the availability of a wide range of reliable stellar models is needed for this purpose. The situation concerning galaxies of the Local Group being particularly interesting because individual stars can be studied and compared directly with evolutionary models. Stellar astronomy research can thus be developed in these objects very much in a similar way as we do in our own galaxy.

The purpose of studying individual stars in galaxies of the Local Group, mainly in the Magellanic Clouds is twofold. First, information about the constituents will allow a better understanding of the galaxies themselves, their structure and nature. Secondly, for those interested in stellar structure and evolution, the study of members of other galaxies will allow the test of available models and input physics in non-standard conditions from the point of view of initial chemical composition or formation environment.