Catalonia, a European leader in research

The European Research Council (ERC) has recognized Catalonia's leadership in the research field by giving funds to nine scientists working in Catalan organizations. Eight other experts in the rest of Spain are also to receive funding.

Spain -and particularly Catalonia- have reversed the brain drain and are now attracting top-notch researchers, a press report said. Spain also ranks fourth among countries with projects funded by the European Union. For the past two years, Catalonia has been the biggest recipient of financing from the Seventh Framework Program. In 2008, universities, technology centers, research labs and companies based in Catalonia were granted EUR 103.3 million, a 32.5% of all resources allocated to Spain.

Source: La Vanguardia, 22/09/09