Spain’s biological research in the tropics: Could we do better?

Abstract

Cayuela, L., Gallardo, L., Granzow-de la Cerda, Í., Mendez, M., and the RedTrop Group 2019. Spain’s biological research in the tropics: Could we do better?  Ecosistemas 28(3):167-173. Doi.: 10.7818/ECOS.1701

European nations that share a language, cultural affinities and/or retain social and political links with tropical countries make a larger contribution to tropical biological knowledge. Exceptions to this pattern, however, suggest how scientific policy agendas can improve or diminish the capacity of countries to conduct tropical research. Here, we present the situation of Spain, one of such exceptions, and why we believe it is underperforming in scientific production in the field of tropical biology. We reflect on the pathways that could make Spain a more successful contributor to biological research in the tropics.