Letters to Nature

Due to a lack of reform in research and education, the academic and scientific establishments have been subject to abuse and tainted by corruption and nepotism. First-rate scientific production, which is still generated by surviving research groups, owes more to international collaborations than to governmental policy. An increasing number of scientists of Romanian origin find permanent or long-term employment abroad. Concurrently, among Eastern European countries, Romania has one of the highest numbers of graduate students enrolled in Western universities.

On behalf of concerned Romanian scientists, working in their homeland or abroad, we wish to express our deep concern regarding the lack of progress in reforming the research system in Romania. Funding for science has declined on an annual basis well below the average level in the European Union, where Romania is expected to integrate in 2007. Currently, only 0.21% of the national GDP is available for research and development in Romania.

Swift and courageous reform is needed, in order to enable high quality research in Romania. The situation could improve rapidly if Romania’s newly-elected Parliament develops the political will to push for a drastic reform, because the required human resources still exist. As individuals and civic organizations dedicated to the progress of science and education in Romania, we express our readiness to be involved in this process. We urge the European Union to persuade the forthcoming government to address current deficiencies in research and education, to enforce the engagements to which Romania subscribed during the accession negotiations, and to explore alternative policies to support competitive research in candidate countries, particularly in Romania.

The reform of the scientific establishment in Romania should begin with an extensive evaluation of scientific performance based on international standards, coupled with measures toward eradication of corruption and nepotism in the academic and research institutions. Since research and education are declared national priorities, adequate financial support should be provided, matching or exceeding the average funding level in EU countries. Most of the research funds should be distributed via peer-reviewed competition to competitive scientists for infrastructure upgrades, research programs, and adequate salaries. Substantial funding should also be dedicated to slowing down, and ultimately reversing, the brain drain. At the same time, competitive scientists from abroad should be provided with incentives to work in Romania.