The Latin American Studies Association (LASA) expresses concern about the situation of scientific research and the academic community in Argentina.
The Argentine government has decided to abolish the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation and replace it with a lower-ranking Secretariat of Innovation, Science and Technology. Alongside this decision, it has extended last year's budget of the National Council for Scientific and Technical Research (Conicet), which implies that it will only have resources to function until the middle of this year. This scenario has created significant uncertainty among researchers, particularly among younger ones. Conicet has postponed the publication of the results of the competition for approximately 300 scholarships for doctoral studies completion, and there is even more uncertainty regarding 1,300 doctoral scholarships, entry into the research careers, as well as the freezing of promotions in scientific careers.
About LASA
The Latin American Studies Association (LASA) is the largest professional association in the world for individuals and institutions engaged in the study of Latin America. With over 13,000 members, over 60% of whom reside outside the United States, LASA is the one association that brings together experts on Latin America from all disciplines and diverse occupational endeavors, across the globe. LASA's mission is to foster intellectual discussion, research, and teaching on Latin America, the Caribbean, and its people throughout the Americas, promote the interests of its diverse membership, and encourage civic engagement through network building and public debate.
If you wish to interview a LASA Executive Council member, you can contact the LASA communications office at (412) 648-7929 or send an email to lasa@lasaweb.org.