The so-called “brain drain” from both public research or academic spaces and the country, has increased alarmingly.
10% of scientists have already left the National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET). Additionally, there is 30% fewer students in the organization.
## Brain drain of scientists and sector demands
Researchers mobilized in rejection of the decree issued by Javier Milei’s government, which plans to merge or eliminate around 50 organizations, including CONICET.
CONICET figures.
The scientists provided these numbers, as reported by the website puntal.com.ar. “We have mobilized to protest against the closure of CONICET because we believe that the country must have science and technology,” they stated.
“More and more scientists are moving to the private sector or abroad due to the low salaries. Not only that, young people are no longer interested in studying to become CONICET researchers,” they added.
“In universities, there are losses of researchers, fellows, and teachers, with almost 10% and 30% fewer new students,” they noted. “There are fellows abandoning their careers, researchers taking leave, and students not pursuing a scientific career,” they added.
As reported, 68 Nobel Prize-winning scientists raised concerns about the brain drain: “We observe how the Argentine science and technology system is approaching a dangerous precipice, and we are discouraged by the consequences that this situation could have both for the Argentine people and the world.”
Meanwhile, the rectors of the National Interuniversity Council (CIN) had already spoken out on the issue due to the growing trend of seeking options abroad.
The mentioned proposal was submitted to the National Government for consideration, as they indicated, but so far, there have been no clear responses.
## Science in crisis and clashes with the Government over the 2030 Agenda
There are fewer and fewer scientists in the national system.
Since the beginning of President Milei’s administration, there have been several points of disagreement with the science and research sector. One example was seen at the end of last year.
It was when the Government once again expressed its strong rejection of the 2030 Agenda promoted by the UN. CONICET scientists at the time published an article in Biological Conservation warning about this stance.
“This new position of Argentina leaves the environment and the country’s well-being in an increasingly precarious situation,” they emphasized in the article.
Experts stated that moving away from the 2030 Agenda represents a “significant setback” in global efforts to combat the climate crisis and biodiversity loss.
In the document, signed by renowned researchers such as Javier Nori and Micaela Camino, it is established that the goals of the Agenda “are fundamental” to address urgent challenges. “Especially in regions like Latin America, where the eradication of hunger and the fight against poverty are of utmost relevance,” they argued.
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