Spain's research budget cap criticised as insufficient amid new health funding rollout

The Spanish Association of Cancer Research (ASEICA) warned that the €700 million ceiling set for the 2025 "Projects of Knowledge Generation" (PID2025) does not reverse the stagnation of research financing in Spain. It noted that average funding per project is about €126,710, with roughly 67 % of selected proposals receiving less than €150,000, and highlighted a drop in the success rate compared with previous calls, increasing competition for limited resources.

In parallel, the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, through the Institute of Health Carlos III, announced provisional resolutions for eleven health‑strategic action calls, allocating €45.3 million to 242 researcher contracts and 96 research project grants. The funding includes programmes such as Miguel Servet, Sara Borrell, Río Hortega and Juan Rodés, aimed at stabilising early‑career researchers and supporting independent clinical trials.

ASEICA urged the agency and ministry to consider the growing demand and ensure sustainable, adequate financing, while the new health‑focused allocations represent a targeted boost for biomedical research and university involvement.