You were right to criticize the situation faced by basic research in your Editorial on Spain's investment in science (Nature 462, 137–138; 2009). Despite our executive's alleged commitment to research and development, the reality is a drastic reduction in the science budget for 2010.

Genoma España, the public foundation for the development of genomics and proteomics research in Spain, is an example. If the government U-turn goes ahead, the organization's budget for 2010 will be cut by 40%. In response, the newly appointed managers have decided to devote the entire budget to technology-transfer policies. This step will compromise support for some of Spain's most important institutions — namely, our DNA bank, the National Genotyping Centre and the country's institutes for bioinformatics and proteomics. This harsh policy reversal will cause dramatic and lasting damage to Spanish biomedical research.

ProteoRed, the Spanish national institute for proteomics, is a case in point. Strategic funding by Genoma España has enabled proteomics facilities to provide top-notch services, allowing scientists to participate in prestigious international projects. History will condemn the loss of this timely investment in Spanish biotechnology.