Differing views on science in Spain.

Abstract

I find Josep Pique's positive statements about science in Spain (“Spain's science minister sees future in telecom,” X. Bosch, News Focus, 31 Jan., p. 653) quite surprising, as they seem far from reality. In Spain, funding of science (less than 1% of the GNP, and 30% of it for military RD approved research projects are not financed within the fiscal year, and funds are consequently lost at the end of the year ([2][2], [3][3]). In addition, recent science ministers (including Pique) have few relevant qualifications or the credibility to conduct a proper research policy in a country that needs a clear improvement in the administration of this field. Present administrative procedures substantially hinder the efforts of candidates with foreign diplomas to gain university or other government research posts (e.g., a Ph.D. from MIT, Harvard, or Stanford is not recognized or accepted in research job applications unless a government agency “validates” it), and foreigners are, unfortunately, a very small proportion of the research and teaching personnel at the moment. Meanwhile, Spanish scientists are a common occurrence in research institutions and universities in Europe and North America. Despite the policies of the present government, science in Spain carries on, thanks to the work of excellent scientists doing their jobs in precarious conditions. There is a clear brain drain, as the conditions to attract good scientists, Spanish or foreign, do not exist, because of cronyism, a lack of funding, and a lack of willingness by the government and the institutions responsible to make the necessary changes. Despite his ministerial position, Pique seems to ignore this reality. 1. [↵][4]Third European Report on Science and Technology Indicators 2003–Towards a Knowledge-Based Economy, (published March 2003 by the European Union) (see [www.cordis.lu/rtd2002/indicators/third_report.htm][5]). 2. [↵][6]Dossier 538, “Los cientificos se rebelan” , El Siglo, 13 January 2003. 3. [↵][7]1. M. Salomone , Medio centenar de grupos de investigadores del CSIC no han recibido aun los fondos concedidos en 2002 (2003)El Pais, 24 February. [1]: #ref-1 [2]: #ref-2 [3]: #ref-3 [4]: #xref-ref-1-1 View reference 1 in text [5]: http://www.cordis.lu/rtd2002/indicators/third_report.htm [6]: #xref-ref-2-1 View reference 2 in text [7]: #xref-ref-3-1 View reference 3 in text