Sir

As you have frequently reported, Spanish scientists face many obstacles in their funding and careers (see, for example, Nature 408, 396; 2000 & Nature 405, 723; 2000). Young Spanish researchers lack employment rights such as affiliation to the social security system or health benefits. They depend on grants and are considered by the government as students, yet they have to pay tax and must engage exclusively in research and lecturing.

Pre- and postdoctoral scientists are usually not represented in the elected body of their centres. Further, because of the pyramidal structure of the Spanish career system, young researchers have fewer opportunities as they become more senior. Often their careers are interrupted while awaiting the next grant, yet they receive no unemployment benefits. The situation is even worse in light of Spain's small research budget, few new permanent positions and nepotism in some research centres.

In February, more than 4,000 young researchers denounced this situation in front of the Ministry for Science and Technology in a demonstration organized by a group called Precarios: the Young Researchers' Federation. Their name recalls both the Spanish word for people on a grant, becarios, and their precarious situation (see http://www.precarios.org). They presented a manifesto signed by some 3,000 senior Spanish scientists, demanding a new status for young researchers, including social benefits and an increase in investment in R&D budgets.

Proper recognition in the early stages of scientific careers is a necessary step towards the inclusion of Spain in the group of scientifically most advanced countries.