In the first global Nature Publishing Index (see go.nature.com/vbqdbr), Ireland is ranked 20th in the Global Top 100 for 2012 and is identified as one of five countries to watch, on the basis of a marked increase in the number of its publications in Nature Publishing Group research journals. Watchers could be disappointed when the next index is released.

Ireland's research output is under threat. Research career frameworks are being formulated and implemented by several major Irish universities. These effectively limit researchers' careers to six years through the enforcement of an 'up or out' policy, whereby they must either secure increased funding to rise through the ranks, or leave the university.

There is now a real risk that Ireland's talented researchers will be forced out as they reach the end of their allotted research time. They are left with the choice of going into industry, moving abroad to continue their research, or dropping out of science.