Birulés replaced by Piqué as Spanish science Minister
Anna Birulés was replaced as Spanish science and technology Minister by former Minister for foreign affairs, Josep Piqué in Prime Minister Aznar's cabinet on 10 July. Mr Piqué welcomed his new role saying that science, technology and the information society were 'key to our future and to our convergence with Europe'. The Ministry was established under Mr Piqué's direction in 2000 and he gave the impulse to award the post to Ms Birulés, who he had known from his university days in Barcelona. The change in personnel comes following some outspoken criticism of Ms Birulés from representatives of the scientific community. On 3 July, 11 scientific companies sent a letter to her claiming that there was 'no defined scientific policy which fits with the initiatives being taken' and that 'management of the scientific system is slowing down, rather than becoming quicker, as could have been expected.' Further complaints focused on delays in programme examinations, funding payments, lack of predoctoral grants and the elimination of 'reincorporation' contracts for those returning from work abroad.
Countries
Spain