Spain has announced the creation of the State Research Agency, which will fund scientific research. It replaces the State Secretariat for Research Development and Innovation. It will not receive new funding but rather reallocated funding. The new Agency will have around 300 employees and will be formed through a spin-off of resources from the Secretariat. The Agency will oversee all aspects of funding, from calls to issuing grants, and will be responsible for around €700 million ($737 million) in funding, or three-quarters of the nation’s public research grants. Some observers remain skeptical as to any real changes to the country’s funding system, which they characterize as politicized and bureaucratic. Although a scientist will serve as the new agency’s executive director, the Agency will remain part of the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness. The Agency’s governing council is expected to consist of 4 scientists, and 10 government and union representatives. Another change is that the Agency will be able to keep any unused annual funding rather than have to return it to the Ministry of Finance.

Source: ScienceInsider