Reforms to Romania's science education and research will provide a fresh start, but will not be easy to implement (Nature 469, 142–143; 2011). Crucial to progress will be more effective selection of high-ranking academics who can improve the quality of research output and serve as mentors for students and junior scientists.

Mentoring programmes in Romanian universities need to become common practice and be properly funded. Since Romania joined the European Union in 2007, grant competition has revitalized its research infrastructure. But intellectually energetic and highly innovative teams are needed to justify expenditure on hi-tech pieces of laboratory equipment.

Steps should be taken now to ensure that the most talented academics are hired. Their work environment must be financially secure to help alleviate the brain drain that still plagues the country's education and research system.