What is science in Eastern Europe like? From a brand new institute for life sciences MedILS at Split, Croatia, two researchers discuss the current state and future of science in Eastern and South Eastern Europe in their Nature Reviews article.

They say the current university-based science is not functioning properly in these countries because of the remnants of the old system and mediocre, ageing academics are hindering progress of the younger scientists. As a way forward they see establishments of small, focused research institutes, the kind that have been popping up all over Eastern Europe in the last couple of decades. In these, international collaborations, especially with expatriots, and international peer-review and funding may be the way forward for excellence in science in Eastern Europe.