International Support Sought to Preserve Science and Technology in Argentina

In a bid to address the imminent threats facing the scientific and technological landscape in Argentina, directors of scientific institutions within the country have launched a plea for international support. Since the installation of President Javier Milei's administration in December 2023, Argentina's scientific community has been grappling with a series of unsettling developments. These include the abrupt closure of the Ministry of Science and Technology, significant layoffs of administrative staff, freezing of budgets for crucial research institutions like CONICET and the suspension of research grant payments from the national funding agency. These measures have plunged the scientific community into uncertainty and raised concerns about the future of scientific research and innovation in the country.

In response to these challenges, directors of scientific institutions have united under the Network of Authorities of Science and Technology Institutes of Argentina (RAICYT). They have mobilized efforts to voice opposition to these policies, including the circulation of a letter signed by over 13,000 national colleagues, urging the government to reconsider its decisions.

Seeking to amplify their message and garner international support, the Argentine scientific community is now reaching out to renowned international institutions. They hope that letters of endorsement from esteemed organizations will bolster their efforts and prompt the Argentine government to reassess its approach to science and technology. This call for international solidarity underscores the urgency of the situation and the determination of Argentina's scientific community to safeguard the future of scientific research and innovation in the country.

For further information or to offer support, please contact the Network of Authorities of Science and Technology Institutes of Argentina (RAICYT) via email: reddirectoresciencia@gmail.com

The Inter-American Network of Academies of Sciences (IANAS) is also disseminating an Executive Committee approved statement on the aggravation of education and science in Argentina. Read and download it here.