Soul-searching is something of a national pastime in Germany — this is, after all, the culture that invented angst. It is surprising, therefore, that the German arm of the tobacco giant Philip Morris's philanthropic foundation has been awarding annual research prizes for nearly two decades without attracting any significant controversy. All the more so when you consider the furore that has erupted in Britain over instances in which academic institutions have accepted money from the tobacco industry.

Since 1983, around 100 researchers in Germany, Austria and Switzerland have received the Philip Morris prize. It is a prestigious award, given only to scientists of the highest calibre, and can be awarded in all areas of science, except medicine. This year's winners, announced last week, each take home around US$100,000.

Tobacco firms may attract widespread opprobrium, but it can be argued that in this regard they stand out from other companies only by degree. Some high-minded individuals, concerned about drugs pricing policy in the developing world, might refuse to accept an award from a pharmaceuticals giant; many environmentalists, meanwhile, would draw the line at accepting a prize from a notoriously polluting chemicals firm.

But over the past few years, it has become clear that there is a special irony to a company such as Philip Morris presenting a prize for outstanding science. A detailed report published last year by the World Health Organization (see Nature 406, 547; 2000) revealed how Philip Morris and other tobacco firms tried to undermine science-based assessments of the health risks posed by tobacco.

It could be argued that Philip Morris should be encouraged to reward excellence in research, rather than trying to manipulate science to its own ends. But against that view must be balanced the knowledge that accepting a prize from Philip Morris provides favourable publicity for a company that appears in the past to have stooped to such tactics. It is a dilemma that merits some good German soul-searching.