The economical
and financial crisis in European countries is starting to knock down relevant scientific
resources, as became evident some days ago in Valencia (Spain). The regional
government of Valencia has strongly reduced the income of the Prince Felipe Research
Centre (CIPF) due to the “budget cut strategy” imposed by local and European authorities.
Consequently, 114 workers have been dismissed and the rest have suffered an important
reduction in their earnings. In addition, managers have been severely
criticized for their agressive ways to communicate dismissals.
If we leave
temporary liquidity problems to close scientific infrastructures, built after arduous
prolonged efforts, Spanish science will have to prepare to go back several
years, as commented in Nature journal (http://www.nature.com/news/2011/111101/full/news.2011.623.html).
Burning doors warms our hands for just two hours, but causes permanent chilling
problems.