As members of the Greek National Council for Research and Technology, we appeal to the global scientific community to lend us its support in Greece's present critical economic situation. We must convince governments and relevant international bodies that we need a more realistic time frame to enable Greece to achieve the objectives that we all hold in common.

The council's role is to advise on the reorganization of Greek research as an engine for future growth and as a way out of the current crisis. There is a grave danger, however, that the research infrastructure, and many institutions essential to its upgrading, could disintegrate because of the pressures being placed on the country.

Greece's international creditors are demanding rapid restructuring of the entire research establishment, forcing financial cuts to be made indiscriminately, with serious implications for recovery prospects.

In working to reform the research infrastructure, the council has seen that key stakeholders are determined to put Greece on a more effective track and are enthusiastic about radical change. The Greek scientific community contains pockets of excellence and much talent and dedication. It is imperative that Greece is allowed time to implement the much-needed reforms in a careful and orderly way.