Are we losing 'brainware' in Catalonia?

In the last issue of 'Informacions' (May 2011 - 241) (only available in Catalan), Ulises Cortés discusses the situation of researchers in Catalonia. In the last 15 years many advances have been achieved in the Catalonian research field: more and better research grants, improved image of research careers, increasing European research investments and, in general, better working conditions. All this has allowed the creation of highly productive research groups, that have attracted talent and, consequently, better research production has resulted.
However, the current circumstances and budget cuts are endangering what has been achieved. Because of the harsh conditions to obtain funding, it is likely that many projects will be dismissed or stopped, groups may disappear and all this may cause not only losing ranks in the worldwide research field and losing confidence, but can also provoke that young researchers migrate to more favourable countries.