Tunisian scientists rejoice at freedom

摘要

'A historic event, a real revolution," says one Tunisian researcher. "Proud to find a Tunisia liberated, that has found its freedom of speech, and its dignity," says another. "Truly the revolution of all a people," adds a third. Tunisian scientists contacted by Nature could barely contain their emotions about the uprising that this month overthrew President Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali, the dictator who had ruled their country for the past 23 years. Although aware of the challenges ahead, many are convinced that a new era of democracy, human rights and academic freedom will prevail - and help to unleash a surge of creative and entrepreneurial forces among a highly qualified but repressed Tunisian population.