Science and technology in Spain facts for kids

Science and technology in Spain is all about how Spain works to discover new things, create cool inventions, and use technology to make life better. This includes plans and programs from the Ministry of Science and Innovation. It also involves big research places like universities and special labs.

Spain is a major player in science around the world. It ranks as the ninth scientific power, producing 2.5% of all scientific papers globally. This shows that Spain is doing a great job in scientific research and discovery!

How Spain Supports Science

Spain has special rules and plans to help science grow. These laws make sure that research gets funding and that different groups work together.

Science Laws: Making Research Happen

The first big law for science was in 1986. It put science on Spain's important list of things to do. This law helped set up how research is funded and organized. It also allowed public research groups to start new companies. This helped connect science with businesses that could use new technologies.

Later, in 2011, a new law called the "Science, Technology and Innovation Law" came out. This law helps national and regional groups work together. It makes sure they use their resources in the best way. This law even created special contracts for students working on their PhDs.

In 2022, Spain planned to approve an even newer science law. This law gives more freedom to important research groups like the State Research Agency (AEI) and the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC). They can manage their money more easily.

How Science Gets Money

In 2020, Spain spent 1.24% of its total money (GDP) on science. This is a good amount, but it's less than the average in Europe, which is 2.12%. Spain is working to increase this investment.

Plans for the Future of Science

Spain has long-term plans for science and technology. These plans guide what kind of research gets done and how it's supported.

One important plan is the "Digital Plan 2025." This plan focuses on using digital technology to help Spain's economy grow. It also aims to make science a big part of this growth. For example, Spain is setting up a safe place for companies to test new AI systems. These systems will be used in important areas like medicine and education. This follows rules set by the European Commission.

There's also a cool project called "Nanoinventum." The University of Barcelona leads this project. It teaches kids in elementary school about science and nanotechnology. The goal is to get young people excited about science and new technologies.

Important Research Places in Spain

Many public organizations in Spain do a lot of the research. They get money from the government and manage many science programs.

Artificial Intelligence Research Institute, part of the CSIC.

Here are some of the main public research groups:

Spanish National Research Council (CSIC)
Center for Energy, Environmental and Technological Research (CIEMAT)
Geological and Mining Institute of Spain (IGME)
Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO)
National Institute of Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (INIA)
Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands (IAC)

Other government departments also have their own research centers:

Center for Sociological Research (CIS)
Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII)
National Geographic Institute (IGN)
State Meteorological Agency (AEMET)
National Institute of Aerospace Technology (INTA)

Special Science Facilities in Spain

Spain has unique and important science facilities. These are called Singular Scientific and Technical Infrastructures (ICTS). They cost a lot to build and run, but they are super important for research.

Some of these special places include:

Spanish Antarctic Bases (research stations in Antarctica)
Oceanographic Research Vessel Hespérides (a ship for ocean research)
Yebes Astronomical Center (for studying space)
MareNostrum and MinoTauro supercomputers (very powerful computers)
Almeria Solar Platform (for solar energy research)
ALBA Synchrotron Light Laboratory (a powerful light source for science)
Oceanic Platform of the Canary Islands (for ocean research)

Spain also has ICTS that are part of international projects:

Calar Alto Astronomical Center
Teide Observatory
Roque de los Muchachos Observatory
Gran Telescopio Canarias

Spanish Scientists Around the World

Spain also takes part in many international science projects. This means Spanish scientists can use amazing facilities in other countries. It also helps Spanish companies get important business deals.

Some of the international facilities Spain is involved with are:

European Space Agency (ESA)
European Laboratory for Particle Physics (CERN)
European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL)
European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF)

Amazing Discoveries and Inventions from Spain

Spanish scientists and engineers have made many important contributions to the world.

Santiago Ramón y Cajal, a Nobel Prize winner in Medicine.

Physics

Spanish physicists are doing cutting-edge research. For example, in 2020, Pablo Jarillo-Herrero won the Wolf Prize in Physics. This award is often seen as a step towards the Nobel Prize.

Chemistry

Spanish chemists have made huge breakthroughs. Francisco Mojica discovered the basis for the CRISPR gene editing technique. This is a way to change DNA, which is super important for medicine. Mariano Barbacid is another famous biochemist. He helped find a gene linked to cancer. He now leads the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO).

Mathematics

Spain is strong in mathematics. In 2020, it ranked seventh globally for its impact in this field. Centers like the Institute of Mathematical Sciences (ICMAT) are well-known.

Medicine

Spain has a rich history in medicine. In the 16th century, Michael Servetus described how blood flows through the lungs. In 1801, Francisco Romero performed the first heart operation.

Santiago Ramón y Cajal won the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1906. He was a pioneer in understanding how our nervous system works. Other Spanish doctors, like Jaime Ferrán y Clúa, developed vaccines for diseases like cholera and tetanus.

The Balmis Expedition in the 19th century was amazing. It was the first international health mission ever! Its goal was to bring the smallpox vaccine to people all over the world. This saved thousands of children's lives. More recently, Pedro Cavadas is famous for his incredible work in transplant surgery.

Engineering

Spanish engineers have invented many things that changed the world. The galleon, a type of ship, was a Spanish invention. It helped Spain explore the oceans. Narcís Monturiol and Isaac Peral were among the inventors of the submarine. Juan de la Cierva invented the autogyro, which was a step towards the helicopter. Leonardo Torres Quevedo created the world's first aerial lift for people in 1907.

Biology and Biotechnology

In the field of biotechnology, Spain has important groups like the National Biotechnology Center. Companies like PharmaMar are also making big strides in this area.

Nuclear Energy

Spain has nuclear reactors that produce energy. The Center for Energy, Environmental and Technological Research (CIEMAT) is a main research center here. They work on advanced nuclear technology, including nuclear fusion.

Computer Science

Leonardo Torres Quevedo, a pioneer of computing.

Spain has a history of innovation in computers. Ramón Verea created the first mechanical calculator that could multiply directly. Leonardo Torres Quevedo built an early chess-playing machine called El Ajedrecista in 1912. This is seen as one of the first computer games. He also came up with the idea of "floating-point arithmetic" for computers.

José García Santesmases built the first Spanish-made microprocessor. Spanish companies like Primux and Slimbook now design and build computers in Spain.

In the past, Spain was a big producer of video games. This time is called the "golden age of Spanish video games." Today, companies like FX Interactive continue this tradition.

Spanish companies have also made a mark on the internet. Websites like Wallapop and Rakuten TV are well-known.

Space

Spain has a long history with space. Early astronomers like Alonzo de Santa Cruz helped improve navigation for ships.

Today, the National Institute for Aerospace Technology works on scientific satellites. The Astrobiology Center (CAB) develops instruments for missions to Mars and asteroids. Important people in Spanish space history include Emilio Herrera, who invented an early space suit, and Pedro Duque, Spain's first astronaut.

Science and Technology Parks

León Technology Park.

Spain has many special areas called science and technology parks. These parks bring together research centers, universities, and companies. They help new ideas turn into real products and services.

Some examples of these parks are:

Barcelona Science Park
Andalusia Technology Park (PTA) in Malaga
Cartuja 93 Science and Technology Park in Seville
València Technology Park

International Science Projects

Spain is a part of many international science programs, especially in Europe. These programs help scientists from different countries work together on big projects.

Some key international programs Spain participates in are:

Framework Program of the European Union (for research support)
European Space Agency (ESA) (for space research)
CERN (European organization for nuclear research)
ESRF (for advanced light research)

Learning About Science

The Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (FECYT) helps people learn about science and innovation. The National Museum of Science and Technology (MUNCYT) is also a great place to visit. It shows how science and technology have developed over time. It has two locations, one in Alcobendas and one in A Coruña.