After retiring some ten years ago at the age of 65, I still wanted to do some worthwhile research (Nature 521, 20–23; 2015).

I had only a chair and a table for support. These props came courtesy of my former employer, along with online access to the scientific literature. I was originally a researcher in two very different fields — surface science and nanoparticle-related health effects — so I set about re-evaluating publications in both areas. New ideas emerged, sparking successful collaborations with former colleagues who had the necessary equipment to investigate them.

I have written and published 30 mostly single-author papers since retirement. Most notable is a 123-page review that took me almost 2 years to prepare, allowing me to invalidate a theory that was more than 30 years old (K. Wittmaack Surf. Sci. Rep. 68, 108–230; 2013). I reckon that I have learned more per unit time during this phase than I did during my 'active' career. And still I keep going.

Colleagues with retirement in sight should give up the idea that science can only be advanced with a sizeable research team. Sit down and take the literature to pieces, then put the puzzle together again in light of your newly gained insight. Gratifying work awaits.