The government of Turkey is wresting control of the country's main research council for political ends. That's the accusation of prominent Turkish scientists who fear that recent appointments and legal changes are attempts to channel a growing science budget towards the government's supporters. This week, parliament is considering the government's second attempt to increase its control over TUEBITAK, Turkey's main science funding body. The government made its first attempt in 2003, but the law it forced through was later overturned by the country's highest court. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan recently tripled the council's budget to $300 million, as part of Turkey's negotiations for membership of the European Union. But it is clear that he would like more control over how the money is spent.
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