A comparison is made between the developments in R&D in Russia and Ukraine since they became independent Forecasts about R&D are gloomy: compromises are essential to make transition to a market-oriented economy smoother and S&T must play a more significant role. Currently there is a brain drain of scientists at three levels: leaving the country; moving to other jobs; and the hidden effect of maintaining a workplace but conducting other work. Three solutions are offered: selected state protection for some S&T areas; restructuring the sources of research funding; and the development of an ‘educational wing’ within research institutes.