The global economy is driven by competitive pressures. A recent editorial in Science, that addresses the issue of ‘Nurturing Young Scientists’ in the United States, proclaims: ‘It is imperative to grow our economy through global leadership in science’. The editorial highlights the need to nurture and mentor early career scientists and the importance of recognizing the need to ‘affirm and reward cross-boundary collaborations’. The American research university system has long been envied in the developing world. (Editorial)