Current State of Basic and Translational Cardiovascular Research in Spain.

Abstract

Although the risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) is reduced by the Mediterranean diet,1 CVD prevalence in Spain is rising. CVD is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in this country, and there is a growing awareness in the scientific community of the need for advances in knowledge, diagnosis, and therapy. Spain has a strong tradition of basic research in molecular biology, immunology, development, neuroscience, and oncology, but historically there have been few research groups dedicated to basic cardiovascular research, and this has been reflected in limited funding. Over the last 20 years, a national strategy to address this situation has seen the creation of a cardiovascular center of excellence and research networks focused on CVD. This significant boost to Spanish cardiovascular research has generated closer collaboration between the clinical and basic research communities, with already tangible beneficial results for patients. Here, we outline current trends in cardiovascular research in Spain, highlighting achievements, opportunities, and challenges. ### Grants and Funding Despite increasing CVD incidence and prevalence, public research funding in Spain has decreased over the last decade. This cut in funds follows a general trend in Spain in the wake of the global financial crisis. In 2016, the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, which is the main public funding body in Spain, spent around 380 million euros on different project grants, mainly in the so-called Excellence, Societal Challenges, and Health Research Projects programs. The Excellence call funded >700 grants (42% success rate), averaging around 100 000 euros per project. The Societal Challenges awarded 1500 grants (49% success rate) with 145 000 euros each on average. The Health Research Projects scheme funded >600 projects with an average of 95 000 euros each (36% success rate). These projects are 3 to 4 years long and were awarded to 1, or sometimes 2, principal investigators. Over the last …