Mexico used a man in an over-sized sombrero, Manitoba had a stuffed bear, and Wisconsin deployed a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. At the Biotechnology Industry Organization's annual conference in Washington DC last month, countries, provinces and states went to great lengths to attract people to their stands.

Singapore was no exception. The country sponsored a large hut-like booth, and used free food to entice passers-by, whose goodie bags already overflowed with free pencils, foam toys and slinkies. But the country is going to even greater lengths to stop its most promising talent from leaving. Every year it selects 90 of its best students and funds them — complete with travel allowance and generous monthly stipend — from their undergraduate days through to their postdocs.

The students can study wherever they please — and they are encouraged to go to the world's best institutions. But when they have finished training, they must spend six years in Singapore at a national research institute or government-sponsored lab.

Although this model may not work in countries with less centralized governments, it has some appealing aspects. The idea of recognizing promise early and committing to it is commendable. Other models, such as loan forgiveness for young scientists who stay in their home countries, might serve the same purpose. Another possibility is the provision of start-up research packages for young investigators who don't yet have enough data to publish their breakthrough paper, but who show signs of being able to do so, given the right infrastructure and support.

Singapore's presence in the biotech exhibition hall sends a message: toys are great for attracting attention, but commitment to facilities and funding is the best way to recruit young scientists.