http://vitae.ac.uk/researchers/192971/Escape-from-sunny-Spain-I.html Feed for Escape from sunny Spain I en-gb http://vitae.ac.uk 24-Feb-2010 14:54:40 http://vitae.ac.uk/researchers/192971/Escape-from-sunny-Spain-I.html Rodrigo, very interesting post. I am curious about how the government "paid" Spanish academics to leave and pursue opportunities abroad. What sort of incentives were in place and how did they work? Has the government reduced the incentive program and transferred the money to programs to keep scientists domestic? http://vitae.ac.uk/researchers/192971/Escape-from-sunny-Spain-I.html http://vitae.ac.uk/researchers/192971/Escape-from-sunny-Spain-I.html Actually, there are plenty of researchers in Spain without the possibility of finding stable positions. It's not strange to find over-40 Spanish postdocs. R&D has increased significantly in the last 10 years, but we are still at 1.3% GDP, far from the most developed European nations. The crisis is affecting science in Spain dramatically. The funds for next year have been cut between 15 to 30% depending on the field, while we are seeing that in Germany, Sweden, Greece, UK and US the investment in science due to the financial crisis has actually increased. Supposedly in the next few months we will see a new Science Law that will re-structure scientific careers, scientific "inbreeding" still being the main hurdle for researchers to find positions. Looking forward to seeing that law, but still waiting... Having some pints in the pub with the friends is a lot of fun too!! http://vitae.ac.uk/researchers/192971/Escape-from-sunny-Spain-I.html http://vitae.ac.uk/researchers/192971/Escape-from-sunny-Spain-I.html Hi Rodrigo, I'm interested in your idea that a lack of strong R+D industry causes scientists to stay away- could the lack of available scientists not be the cause for the shortage of R&D? Has R&D grown over the last 10 years? How is the economic downturn playing out in Spain? Do you feel the careers structure fro researhcers has improved as well? I have to say, the chance of having (late) dinner on the beach most of the year round would make up for some of the struggles. And I bet you're innundated with friends coming to visit! http://vitae.ac.uk/researchers/192971/Escape-from-sunny-Spain-I.html