Ramón y Cajal program

The Ramón y Cajal (RyC) program is a five-year position as a principal investigator in the Spanish scientific system. It used to be widely regarded as the position of prestige for young researchers in Spain. Even then, it was already noted for various shortcomings:

• The Angst of Ramón y Cajal Researchers, an article by Elisabeth Pain in Science.
• The RyC program, a presentation by Juan de la Figuera.

With the passing of the financial crisis, it is a now a sieve that retains mainly those disposed to ruin their Scientific career despite their potential—the grant remaining extremely competitive—by favoring a position in Spain (often for personal reasons) with a low salary and crippling conditions.

Fabrice got awarded his position on 28, June (2011) for which he started working on 1 June (2012).

Elena got awarded a position on 6 May (2013) and took it up on 15 December (2014).

See also

• Antonio Fernández Domínguez and Elena del Valle's open letter Sobre "El mejor físico europeo joven se queda sin beca en España".