Provost of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova (ASM) Ion Tighineanu proposes amendments to the legislation that would make the research sector independent from higher education. The proposal was given during the third round of public debate on the new Education Code, Info-Prim Neo reports. ASM proposes to create a national Assembly of scientists, which will be made up of members of the Academy, along with faculty members from other universities, and businesses. The provost mentioned that this proposal has been discussed with other universities. The Assembly would be an independent structure, which would liberalize research and sciences spheres, in the limits of contemporary management rules. The scientific society, with the participation of links, i.e. universities or NGOs in common research projects, would have the authority to implement Laws on the sector’s level, added Ion Tighineanu. Liberal MP Ana Gutu, who took part in the debates, did not agree that the 38 scientific research institutions fall under the sole jurisdiction of the ASM. “We remember reforms of science academies from ex-Soviet countries, when academies were turned into universities. Instead of discussing how to focus the forces of ASMs and other institutions’ scientists, and to create research centers in all universities, they propose the extension of the innovation sector. We should realize the capacity of our resources and our human capital potential, since it is well known that the “brain drain” continues”, mentioned the MP. The elaboration of the Education Code started in 2009. Discussions on the matter still continue, because there is lack of agreement on several key aspects, including the relationship between the research sector and the education system.