In recent years, Spain has faced a persistent trend: an increasing number of young scientists and professionals are leaving the country in search of better opportunities for career development. Despite the high level of education offered by Spanish universities, graduates encounter limited options for pursuing a scientific career at home.
Many young professionals who have graduated from prestigious universities note that it is difficult to find a good job in science in Spain. They cite low salaries, a shortage of research positions, and insufficient funding for scientific projects as the main reasons. As a result, many graduates choose to continue their studies or work in other European countries and beyond.
For example, a graduate of the University of Barcelona, who studied physics and mathematics, chose to pursue a PhD in the United Kingdom. She points out that in Spain, admission to a doctoral program requires a master’s degree, which complicates the process and limits access to scientific work. Elsewhere, the path is more flexible, attracting young researchers.
Another example is a young specialist from Catalonia who, after obtaining a dual degree in mathematics and data science, went to study in France. There he is interning at a major international company and notes that abroad there are more opportunities for professional growth and advancement in research.
A similar situation is observed among graduates of technical fields. Young engineers who have earned doctorates from leading foreign universities report that in Spain their qualifications are often underestimated and salary levels do not meet their expectations. In addition, many face a lack of modern equipment and limited access to funding for research projects.
Experts emphasize that the combination of low investment in science, unstable working conditions, and a limited number of academic positions makes a scientific career in Spain unattractive for young professionals. This leads to a constant outflow of talented personnel, which negatively affects the development of national science and innovation.
Young researchers believe that comprehensive measures are needed to change the situation. Among the proposals are increasing the number of scholarships and research grants, raising salaries, streamlining admission procedures for doctoral studies, creating new research centers, and supporting startups in high-tech sectors. It is also important to recognize the doctorate as a full professional qualification and to expand employment opportunities in the scientific field.
The issue of retaining young talent is becoming increasingly urgent for Spain. Without systemic changes, the country risks losing an entire generation of promising professionals capable of contributing to the development of science, technology, and the economy. In a context of global competition for human capital, Spain urgently needs to reconsider its approach to supporting young researchers in order to preserve its intellectual potential and ensure a sustainable future.
