As a scientist formerly employed by the Cyprus Institute, I believe that it is time for the Cyprus government to bring in new management that will have proper oversight (Nature 484, 14; 2012).

The government auditor's report on the institute's finances was unfortunately published only in Greek. It highlights several irregularities, including a lack of transparency and formal organizational structure.

Allocation of resources has been inadequate and several staff members, including myself, have found the institute a difficult place to do research. In 2010, 13% of the staff resigned, and 20% of the remainder left in 2011 — including some senior staff members. This has been bad for research in Cyprus.

Considering the amount of money the government has poured into the institute and the number of researchers on the staff, the institute's scientific output seems low — and some of the publications listed on its website do not carry the institute's affiliation.

An independent committee should be formed to evaluate the institute's research according to international standards. This would replace its scientific advisory council, which consists mainly of members of its board of trustees and scientists from affiliated institutions.