There is a crucial question that must be answered: “We have the brains, but we don’t have research. Why?” Greece has excellent minds in many fields, both within the country and abroad. Despite this, it continues to rank very low on European and global lists. Great scientists have expressed their anxiety about the future of research in the country, many times through Kathimerini.

Recently, it was revealed how opaque and cursory the evaluation of research proposals was for publicly funded projects. It was a classic example of how our politicians perceive this sector. They would be very happy if they could create a state-run company for research where the evaluators would be “our own people,” the evaluations would be pre-determined, and the end product would be the result of some kind of secret dealings. The consistent warnings made by prominent Greek scientists in the country and abroad seem to go unheard. What they are proposing is obvious: an independent authority staffed by prestigious personalities that will set priorities, promote innovation through research, and evaluate the various proposals without improbable bureaucratic procedures. They point to the examples of small states, such as Israel and Ireland, that have invested in research and reaped enormous benefits.

One would expect that the need for a positive shock in the field of research would be a top priority for this government and personally for the prime minister, who knows the field of innovation well and fully understands how much Greece needs to change in the era of artificial intelligence and continuous evolution. However, so far this interest has not been reflected in practice.

I understand the pressure of party and trade union interests that want research to be just another party tool. They always find convincing arguments, legal and political, that seduce politicians and lead to yet another impasse. And we know well in this country that research and innovation need support and money but not the absurdity of having to move along the lines of a specific ministry or the state in general.

Here at Kathimerini, we will continue to host articles and appeals from those who want something to finally change. Not for their own benefit, as those who prefer to keep things as they are will try to argue, but for the Greeks who continue to do research in adverse conditions in their country and the brain gain generation that wants to find a way to either return to the country or share their success abroad.

Like everything in this country, this issue requires the attention of the prime minister himself. The positive thing, of course, is that if a relevant initiative is put forward, he will probably discover another rare thing in our days: consensus from some responsible political parties.