Catalonia’s failed attempt to attract American scientists directly impacts the future of research in the region. Expectations were high: the program was supposed to be a response to science funding cuts in the US and give fresh momentum to local science. However, nearly a year after its launch, not a single researcher from the US has come to work in Catalan laboratories. This is not just a statistic—it’s about missed opportunities for the development of medicine, biotechnology, and other key sectors.
The Catalan authorities announced the ambitious Catalunya Talent Bridge project, hoping it would help fill the gaps created after the Donald Trump administration cut funding for a number of scientific programs. The plan was for 26 researchers to arrive in the region by the end of 2025 and 78 within three years. But reality turned out differently: not a single contract has been signed, and deadlines keep shifting.
A delayed launch
The Catalan Ministry of Research and Universities explains the delay by saying the program is just beginning to roll out. The first contracts are expected to be finalized through a special Beatriu de Pinós competition, which is aimed at attracting postdocs. But even these steps are still in preparation—actual invitations to US scientists will only be issued after all bureaucratic procedures are completed.
At the same time, Catalan scientists express disappointment: neither regional nor national authorities have allocated additional funding for projects from which American partners were excluded. Eight months ago, several research groups already lost access to international grants, and the situation has not changed since then. The projects continue, but without previous funding and without the involvement of colleagues from the United States.
Losses and Consequences
According to one of the lead researchers, the cuts mean not only a reduction in staff but also a loss of unique expertise and resources. By 2029, Catalan science will be short about 5.5 million euros. In other countries, such as Canada, Belgium, or Denmark, authorities have already found ways to offset these losses, but in Catalonia possible solutions are still only under discussion.
Amid budget constraints and a clear lack of support measures, scientists are forced to seek alternative sources of funding. Despite regular meetings with ministry representatives, no concrete proposals for overcoming the situation have been made so far. The authorities assure that they understand the gravity of the situation, but have not provided any timelines or specific support mechanisms.
In Search of Support
The scientific community of Catalonia is appealing to individuals and organizations for assistance. The focus is on projects related to the study of infectious diseases and the development of new treatment methods. Research continues despite budget cuts, but its future remains uncertain.
Scientists emphasize that the results of their work are important for everyone, even if they rarely make headlines in the media. Every resident of the region ultimately depends on new diagnostic methods, medicines, and vaccines that such projects make possible. But without stable funding and international cooperation, these achievements may be at risk.
Context and trends
In recent years, European regions have increasingly faced the problem of a brain drain and a decline in international grants. Similar initiatives to attract researchers from abroad were launched in Germany and France, but there too the process proved more complicated than expected. In some cases, individual specialists were brought in, but there was no large-scale influx.
In Spain, issues of science funding and the integration of foreign scientists remain among the most pressing. Support programs often face bureaucratic hurdles and a lack of resources. Against this backdrop, Catalonia’s experience demonstrates how difficult it is to implement even the most ambitious plans without a clear strategy and real investment.
