Spanish scientists protest against government actions

Nature : Last week, scientists in 19 cities across Spain gathered to protest against the governments’ budget cuts, failure to supply promised funds, and other actions that they view as attacks on the scientific infrastructure of the country. Since 2009, the government has cut its science budget by 39%, and in 2011 it eliminated the science ministry. Protests and open letters have been organized several times since March 2012. Estimates suggest that one-third of projects funded in 2013 by the National Plan for Research, Development and Innovation have not received any funds this year, and that another one-third likely won’t be refunded in 2014. The nation has also only partially paid its dues as a member of both the European Science Foundation and the European Space Agency. The protests and open letters have been organized by the Letter for Science coalition, which includes most of the main research organizations in the country.