The State of Scientific Research in Spain: Insights from José Manuel Fernández de Labastida

In the vibrant city of Barcelona, José Manuel Fernández de Labastida stands at the helm of the State Research Agency (AEI), a pivotal institution responsible for planning and allocating resources for scientific and technical research across Spain. With a rich background that includes leadership roles in high-level advisory bodies like the European Research Council (ERC) and the Spanish government, Labastida offers a unique perspective on the current landscape of science in Spain.

High-Level Science in Spain

When asked if high-level science is being conducted in Spain, Labastida confidently affirms that the country is indeed making significant strides. “We do high-level, high-impact science,” he states, acknowledging that while there is room for improvement, Spain has reached commendable levels of scientific output. The nation is not yet at the forefront of Europe, but it is closing the gap, particularly in terms of scientific publications and their impact. Spain has maintained a reasonable level of research output, especially in a global context where many countries are experiencing declines, largely due to the rising influence of Chinese research.

Leading Research Fields

Spain shines in several research domains, particularly in physics, astrophysics, and social sciences. Labastida highlights that Spain is competitive in economics, ranking just behind the United States on a global scale. Notably, Spanish researchers have been successful in securing grants from the European Research Council, with approximately 12% to 15% of grants awarded to Spanish proposals. This level of success is particularly impressive when considering that anything above 8% is considered exceptional within the European Union.

In the biomedical field, Catalonia stands out as a leader, showcasing the region’s commitment to advancing health-related research.

The Funding Landscape

Despite these achievements, Labastida acknowledges that Spain’s scientific funding is not yet where it needs to be. The latest data from the National Statistics Institute indicates an investment of 1.5% of the gross domestic product (GDP) in research, which falls short of the European average of 2.2%. However, he points out that this figure represents a significant increase from 2014, when public and private sector investments were considerably lower. The commitment to research funding has been bolstered by European New Generation funds, which have played a crucial role in enhancing Spain’s research capabilities.

Public vs. Private Funding

While public funding is approaching the European average, private investment still lags behind. Over the past decade, the proportion of private investment in research has grown, now accounting for 50-60% of total funding. Labastida notes that this shift began about 10 to 15 years ago, with more researchers in the public sector open to collaboration with private companies. The establishment of double taxation avoidance agreements has also encouraged private sector investment in innovation.

European Collaboration and Defense Research

Labastida emphasizes the importance of collaboration within Europe, particularly in the context of research funding. Spanish companies are increasingly competing alongside public institutions for research and development resources. The geopolitical landscape has prompted discussions about the need for dual-use research—projects that can serve both civilian and military purposes. This shift is expected to influence European funding strategies for the 2028-2034 period, as countries like Spain prepare to enhance their scientific capabilities in defense.

Risk Culture in Science

One of the challenges facing Spanish science is a conservative risk culture, particularly among investors. Labastida acknowledges that while there is less willingness to finance potentially risky projects, efforts are underway to foster a more supportive environment for innovation. The European Innovation Council and proposals for a competitiveness fund aim to encourage private sector investment in research, sharing the risks associated with new projects.

Regional Disparities in Research

Labastida notes that Spain operates at different speeds in terms of scientific research and innovation. Catalonia, with its long-standing commitment to research policy, leads the way, while other regions like the Basque Country and Madrid also play significant roles. The need for state and regional policies to encourage research and innovation is critical, and Labastida points to the recent growth in Galicia as a positive example of this approach.

Funding Distribution and Bureaucracy

The distribution of research funding in Spain is structured through the Spanish Strategy for Science, Technology, and Innovation, which aligns with European frameworks. However, researchers often face bureaucratic hurdles when accessing and utilizing these funds. Labastida acknowledges the complexity of navigating various funding sources and emphasizes the need for simplification in the application and justification processes.

The Role of Universities

Public universities in Spain are crucial to the scientific model, yet they face significant funding challenges. Labastida calls for a more strategic approach to university funding, emphasizing the importance of research over traditional teaching metrics. As many professors approach retirement, there is a unique opportunity to attract top talent from around the world, particularly in regions like Catalonia that are actively working to create favorable conditions for researchers.

Attracting Global Talent

Spain has made strides in attracting international researchers through programs like Ramón y Cajal and Atrae, which target mid-career and senior researchers, respectively. Labastida highlights the success of these initiatives, noting that many applicants come from the United States and other countries, indicating that Spain is becoming an attractive destination for high-level research talent.

The Path Forward

While Labastida acknowledges that dedicating only 1.5% of GDP to research is a point of concern, he remains optimistic about the future. He believes that with continued political will and strategic investments, Spain can enhance its research capabilities and attract even more top-tier talent. The journey toward becoming a leading scientific nation is ongoing, and the commitment to improvement is evident in the efforts being made across the country.