Argentinian researchers are protesting as the president starts cutting funding for science, leading to despair.
In Argentina, the scientific community is in distress as President Javier Milei begins implementing budget cuts and austerity measures aimed at reducing the country's deficit and inflation, which is currently over 250% annually. These actions have put research institutions at risk, particularly those supported by the National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET). With the federal budget remaining unchanged from the previous year in nominal terms but effectively reduced by at least 50% due to inflation, CONICET has had to make drastic cuts, including reducing graduate-student scholarships, halting hiring and promotions, and laying off administrative staff.
This situation has sparked outrage among researchers, leading to protests, social media campaigns, and public demonstrations. The community is concerned about the potential shutdown of research institutions and the impact it will have on scientific progress in Argentina. The recent letter signed by 68 Nobel laureates across various disciplines highlights the global significance of the crisis unfolding in the country's science and technology sector.
The head of CONICET, Daniel Salamone, appointed by President Milei, maintains that the government is facing severe economic challenges that necessitate these measures. While he argues that CONICET has not been completely shut down, researchers believe that the budget cuts are effectively dismantling the sector. The reduction in funding for scientific agencies, such as CONICET and the National Agency for the Promotion of Research, Technological Development, and Innovation, is raising concerns about the future of scientific research in Argentina.
President Milei's administration's actions, including dissolving the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation and appointing individuals with no scientific background to key positions, have further exacerbated the situation. Researchers fear that the government's lack of prioritization of science and technology will discourage young scientists and drive talent away from the country. The absence of a clear strategy and coordination in scientific policy under the new administration has added to the uncertainty and instability facing the scientific community in Argentina.
Despite government assurances that CONICET institutes will not be closed and plans to enhance scientific policy, researchers remain skeptical about the future of science in Argentina. The impact of these measures extends beyond the scientific community, affecting the country's ability to innovate, compete globally, and address pressing societal challenges. The ongoing protests and advocacy efforts by researchers underscore the critical importance of supporting and investing in science and technology for the long-term development and prosperity of Argentina.
Source: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-024-00628-1
This situation has sparked outrage among researchers, leading to protests, social media campaigns, and public demonstrations. The community is concerned about the potential shutdown of research institutions and the impact it will have on scientific progress in Argentina. The recent letter signed by 68 Nobel laureates across various disciplines highlights the global significance of the crisis unfolding in the country's science and technology sector.
The head of CONICET, Daniel Salamone, appointed by President Milei, maintains that the government is facing severe economic challenges that necessitate these measures. While he argues that CONICET has not been completely shut down, researchers believe that the budget cuts are effectively dismantling the sector. The reduction in funding for scientific agencies, such as CONICET and the National Agency for the Promotion of Research, Technological Development, and Innovation, is raising concerns about the future of scientific research in Argentina.
President Milei's administration's actions, including dissolving the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation and appointing individuals with no scientific background to key positions, have further exacerbated the situation. Researchers fear that the government's lack of prioritization of science and technology will discourage young scientists and drive talent away from the country. The absence of a clear strategy and coordination in scientific policy under the new administration has added to the uncertainty and instability facing the scientific community in Argentina.
Despite government assurances that CONICET institutes will not be closed and plans to enhance scientific policy, researchers remain skeptical about the future of science in Argentina. The impact of these measures extends beyond the scientific community, affecting the country's ability to innovate, compete globally, and address pressing societal challenges. The ongoing protests and advocacy efforts by researchers underscore the critical importance of supporting and investing in science and technology for the long-term development and prosperity of Argentina.
Source: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-024-00628-1
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