European Science Foundation cuts support for Spanish researchers

Science : The European Science Foundation (ESF) has temporarily suspended support for Spanish researchers and events because two Spanish member organizations have not paid their membership fees. Until Spain’s National Research Council (CSIC) and its Ministry of Economics and Competitiveness pay their dues, the ESF has discontinued providing funds to any projects or events organized by Spanish researchers beginning in July. Eusebio Jiménez Arroyo, CSIC’s adjunct vice-president for scientific programming, says that the organization will pay its roughly €700 000 ($910 350) dues as soon as the ministry provides it the necessary funds. However, the ministry has not indicated when it will provide the money or pay its own dues. Nonpayment is at odds with the Spanish government’s stated goal of increased science funding, but it continues a history of delayed contributions to CERN and dues to the International Mathematical Union.