The sociologist and researcher Ariel Goldstein warned on the social network X (formerly Twitter) about a project that proposes the reform of CONICET, developed by the Libertad y Progreso Foundation, close to the government of Javier Milei.
According to Goldstein, the document proposes:
- Eliminating the Scientific Researcher Career.
- Replacing it with short-term contracts, linked to political and market criteria.
- Reducing stability and autonomy, affecting the continuity of scientific projects.
Impact of the budget cut on scientific funding
During the press conference on the program “Desde el canil” on Bravo TV, the journalist Natalia Vaccarezza warned about the budget cut in the sector, stating that science is not included in the Government’s plans.
According to official data, the budget allocated to the area decreased by 42.9% between 2023 and 2025, deepening the crisis.
Challenges for researchers and brain drain
Goldstein pointed out that scientists can now only submit competitive projects, with defined start and end dates, subject to the approval of the CONICET Board of Directors.
The journalist Ezequiel Orlando joked about the economic difficulties faced by researchers: “You live by driving a taxi, and at night, if you have time, you work with CONICET, where they pay you $2.50. That’s why there is a brain drain of scientists and students.”
Private companies do not have enough capacity to absorb the displaced professionals, worsening the sector’s situation.
Crisis in Argentine science and lack of public policies
The reduction in the budget and the underinvestment in key institutions, such as the National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), have raised alarm in the scientific community.
The sector is facing one of its most critical stages, amid a discussion about the future of research in the country.
