Emilio Lora-Tamayo: "The Government has taken the black hole ... - The Reason

class=”dateline”> October 21, 2013. 23:59 Bethlehem V. Conquero.

expert in microelectronics and physical training, has had to change the accounting tables circuits. Emilio Lora-Tamayo was president fleeting National Research Council (CSIC) in 2003, only ran it for a year and returned to academic life. Nine years later, with renewed strength, retook the controls of the largest scientific institution in our country. Albeit with a challenge ahead: avoid bankruptcy flagship Spanish research. The royal decree approved by the Government last Friday you towards the right path. He has achieved 95 million euros, two runs, to lead the CSIC of the red. “It is a good reason to give an interview” smiles. After a year with the water neck finally relaxed breathing.

-With the latest injection of 70 million that the government has decreed and after a bitter year, does the CSIC is saved?

-Yes, of course. It’s what we were asking and what we had not assessed as necessary to enter the technical bankruptcy this year and, of course, will allow us to end the year 2013, it has been a difficult year, with zero deficit. It is the first time in five or six years you get. The 95 million us out of this problem we have been dominating, mitigating, with the collaboration of the Ministry, which has allowed us to advance ministerial transfers. But in the end, we needed this final contribution. I am very pleased to arrive in time and amount.

In the next Budget, do you take into account the Council?

departmental transfers for 2014 are up 50 million on 400 we had, that means 12% more revenue. We stood at 450 million, while in 2010 we had 433.

– Was it difficult negotiations with the Ministry of Economy?

-No, what is complicated is the situation in the country. Since this problem was detected, early last year, the Ministry ordered an inspection which confirmed the difficulties that we dragged. Remnants have been used since 2009. We gave a number of recommendations that follow and that have allowed us for the first time in the last 5-6 years, which accounts CSIC, 2012 have been approved by the State Comptroller, before they always had to be reformulated. I detect the black hole we would have over 2013, which we have taken.

– How arises next year?

Next year we must continue with austerity, with expenditure control, but we will be able to develop all of our projects without problems. The position is not buoyant, we have plenty of money, we’ve had better days, but the injection of government is very important.

– The game that has achieved the Government allocate your institution is a reflection of the existence of those green shoots as advertised some media?

I do not like to use those words and, in any case where there has to be is in the general economy of the state. The Government has been very responsive, the dialogue has been absolute and positive. The minister has always said he would not drop the CSIC told me personally.

– Is it time to tackle a reform within the CSIC?

The Council

agency structure but it is not. To be need to ask the management contract that commits us to a series of objectives and ensuring means. That contract management has never been approved. In the previous legislature was presented twice and was not approved. But at this time, prior to the contract, we need to be approved by the restructuring of the statute.

– Do you think you could get in this term?

We will try and do not know why it was not approved at the time.

– Do you think it is necessary that the private sphere also bet on science?

Absolutely, and we have a long journey. Unlike other countries, there is much more public than private investment. We must work to turn it around.

– Spanish science is healthy?

The Council is healthy, I can not speak for the rest of scientific institutions.