Spanish austerity's brain drain
Watch News Report
Scientists in Spain claim the long-term future of the country is being sacrificed, because of what they call "short-sighted" austerity measures.
Research and development in Spain has been cut by around 40% in the past five years.
The Spanish government says the private sector needs to do more, but many scientists are simply leaving Spain and taking their work abroad.
I watched this program and to be honest they've picked the worst example of scientists to save. One was a lady, astrophysicist, whose specialization is to discover new extrasolar planets. Well, even if she is very successful in her department, there will never be a benefit to Spanish society, especially in economy. I think, the other example was a cancer researcher. Again even if it wasn't recession, Spain would be always behind very rich countries in this field too. It is cheaper to let others invest in this field (it takes billions and at least 10 years to get any drug to the market these days). Only huge pharmaceutical companies of the world, or venture capital in US can afford that.
Instead Spain should invest in science where it can help economy and jobs soon and grow specialized domestic industry.
Let's see, South Spain is the sunniest place in Europe, and plants love hot and sunny. The problem is the lack of water, it is almost a desert there, surrounded by sea. Therefore why not invest in desalination science. Invent new and inexpensive technologies. Help farmers to access a lot of fresh water for growing food for Europe and Africa (Africa is growing fast these days, and middle class is being made, who by foreign food), and Spain is in good strategic position for this. Also sell the technology abroad.
Next, wastes from fishing industry could be made fertilizer for these new fields in desert. Food doesn't want to grow on sand. Why not invest in science that will turn animal wastes into natural fertilizer inexpensively. Now they can produce organic food in the desert with their own technology. Plus, sell and teach others.
Now that would be a very useful science financed by government in times of recession. I'm sure there are many more examples for Unique to Spain specialization.
I understand that in perfect world we should let scientists research whatever their passion is. But unfortunately in times of great difficulty in Spain, money should be spent wisely for the biggest financial benefit for the whole nation. It is not a time to be selfish and demand funding from almost bankrupt government, just because I'm smart astrophysicist, or because it was alway like that.