Sir

As a Spanish postdoc working outside Spain for almost five years, I welcome your Editorial “Ending the pain in Spain” (Nature 428, 1; 200410.1038/428001b).

As you say, science rarely occupies the headlines in the Spanish press. When it does, the story is often a comment on the achievements of Spanish researchers working abroad. As things improve, more scientists will return to Spain, but not as quickly as you suggest.

For example, it is not true that “Over the past three years, [the Ramón y Cajal programme] has repatriated almost 2,000 of Spain's diaspora of postdocs”. If you look more carefully at the numbers, you will see that most of the 1,944 positions offered went to Spanish scientists already living in Spain, whereas only 21.4% were awarded to Spanish researchers living abroad. To be fair, the programme was not aimed solely at repatriating Spanish researchers, but intended to increase the overall number of researchers working in Spain by providing steady five-year contracts to both Spanish and non-Spanish nationals.

There are several reasons why few Spaniards working abroad have been attracted to this scheme. One of these is that their own research initiatives will often be subordinated to that of the group that receives them. This is understandable, to some extent, because this group will pay part of their salaries and provide them with space and equipment. Another is the uncertain future of people holding such positions. Contrary to the suggestion in your Editorial, the competition for funds in Spain could hardly be stiffer. Numerous people have returned to Spain, attracted by schemes operating before the Ramón y Cajal programme, and were then abandoned by the system. Many of these had to emigrate again. This situation will continue until our politicians show an interest in challenging the status quo.