Some points you raise about TÜBİTAK, Turkey's scientific and technological research council, need clarification (Nature 470, 436; 2011).

As the main government agency for research management, funding and conduct, TÜBİTAK aims to create optimal conditions for Turkey's scientific and technological development. It is therefore concerned about the association of several notable scientists with the trial surrounding the Ergenekon organization, which is accused by the Turkish chief prosecutor of plotting against the democratically elected government.

TÜBİTAK has chosen to remain silent out of respect for the principle of judicial independence (as specified in the country's Criminal Code 5237).

You are incorrect in saying that TÜBİTAK was involved in the appointment of supporters of Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party to key academic positions. Most of the scientists in TÜBİTAK's senior management were working at the agency for many years before the ruling party took over. The organization has insisted on transparent recruitment procedures since 2006.

Regarding the allegation of Darwin being removed from the cover of TÜBİTAK's popular-science magazine Bilim ve Teknik (Nature 458, 259; 2009), the magazine published a special issue on Darwin in June 2009, as originally scheduled. There was never any censorship, as confirmed by the Ankara Fifth Criminal Court.