Researchers moving abroad often need to have their qualifications recognized by a local university or other national institution. This costly process can take months, and may include thesis re-evaluation by a panel of professors or researchers. Add to this the extensive paperwork already required for applications for jobs, research grants or scholarships, and the need to cut red tape to encourage mobility within the scientific community becomes more pressing.

Governments and universities should create an international online database that details the qualifications of applicants from foreign universities, together with a summary of the work entailed and the standard expected.

Decisions by institutions responsible for recognizing diplomas awarded abroad would then be just a few clicks away.