Spanish science budget to increase in wake of protests

Nature : The Spanish government, led by prime minister Mariano Rajoy, has proposed to increase science funding—for the first time in five years—by 6.1% in 2014. The modest increase comes after protests and an open letter by Spanish scientists denouncing the government’s heavy cuts in science spending. However, half of the €6.139 billion ($8.31 billion) research budget for the coming year is to be awarded as loans. Scientists have complained that because much of the loan money tends to go unused, the actual amount spent on R&D ends up being less than indicated. The budget now awaits approval by parliament and the senate.