A young Polish scientist recently expressed concern in this column about the paucity of opportunities in Poland for young repatriates hoping to establish independent research groups (see Nature 445, 792; 2007). We respectfully disagree.

Despite low science budgets and many old-fashioned procedures, there are institutes in Poland where postdocs can start independent careers. Several newly formed groups conduct research at a high level and attract funds from outside Poland. Most are headed by postdocs who have returned after successes abroad.

For example, in 2005, one of us, Marta Miaczynska, returned after 12 years abroad in which she completed a PhD and two postdocs in molecular cell biology. In 2003, she earned a position as a group leader at the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw (IIMCB).

Grants from the international programmes of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HMMI) and the Wellcome Trust helped her set up a new research group. Funding from the European Union, the Max Planck Society and the Polish Ministry of Science allowed her to build a nine-person research team and attract postdocs, including repatriates from abroad. We believe that such opportunities are increasing steadily.

Miaczynska returned to Poland because she believed she would be able to develop quality, independent research, with sufficient funds, in a supportive environment. Two years on, she does not regret her decision.

We are convinced that top young researchers can find attractive options if they are ready to compete for positions and funds. True, such opportunities are not yet common in Poland; it is not as easy as in richer countries with a more advanced research infrastructure. But those who are successful can apply to several sources for extra funding, and can select the very best PhD students from a large number of graduates.

We agree that the system needs reforms, in particular more young people on faculty staffs. Despite some recent initiatives, by the Foundation for Polish Science, for example, more needs to be done to facilitate early independence of young scientists and to attract our compatriots back. After all, if Polish scientists stay in other countries, who will push for changes to Polish science?