We are presenting a special issue dedicated to the position and strength of Polish science in the European Union countries. Before Poland became a member of this esteemed group, Polish scientists were already there. They have taken part in research financed by the European Commission for almost 10 years. Now they talk about scientific success, but first they had to review their opinions on conducting research and learn new rules, says Prof. Michał Kleiber, the minister of science and chairman of the State Committee for Scientific Research (KBN) in an interview for us. Without a knowledge of these rules and the apparently banal ability to write applications to the European Commission for subsidies, Polish scientists would have no chance. Polish scientific thought, appreciated in many areas but deprived of financial support, would soon find itself on the margins of European science. Another shortage of the Polish system of research is the tendency to run it single-handedly, while in the EU countries, the dominant trend is to cooperate and create scientific consortia in which industrial partners also participate. As a result of such a cooperation, research results are quickly applied in industry.

Dr Andrzej Siemaszko, the coordinator of EU programs and head of the Polish Contact Point for these programs, knows best about the road and obstacles that Polish scientists had to overcome in the EU. At our request he has written a report on the implementation of these programs by Polish centers.

Out of the group of numerous scientific centers that already have European experience, a group of leaders has emerged that may now initiate cooperation with the biggest and the best units in Europe. They have achievements and awards to their account, including the new, prestigious Crystal Prize awarded for activity and achievements in EU programs. But, as Kleiber stated, the fact that they have been noticed by the best partners in Europe remains the biggest value.

So who are the leaders of Polish science? They include scientific centers most often presenting new research directions-molecular biology and biotechnology, nanomaterials, organic food or the search for the causes of different diseases in children. Due to a lack of space, The Polish Science Voice is presenting the achievements of only some of them. In the next issue, we will present other centers, particularly the laureates of the this year's Crystal Prize.