Spanish scientists have voiced their concern about the scale of spending cuts outlined in the country’s draft 2011 science budget, which was presented to Spain’s Congress on September 30. In 2011, the Science and Innovation Ministry’s draft budget will decrease 1.65%, according to Science Minister Cristina Garmendia, who added the budget would be similar to last year’s because Congress usually slightly increases it. However, overall government R&D expenditure is slated to drop by 8.37%, according to the Confederation of Spanish Scientific Societies analysis. The central government contributes about a fifth of the country’s R&D spending. The budget also calls for a halt to R&D loans from the government to companies. Overall, research institutions supported by the central government face a 6.71% decrease in funding. Although the budget calls for a 5.78% cut in grants, projects, fellowships and contracts should be the least affected. Congress is expected to approve the budget in December.

Source: Nature