Argentina's CONICET and INTA cut research funding, jeopardizing marine and agricultural projects

The National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET) announced it will not renew post‑doctoral fellowships expiring on 31 July 2026 and has halted admissions to the Carrera del Investigador Científico. The decision leaves 379 researchers across Argentina in uncertainty, with marine biology groups at the Patagonian Center (CENPAT‑CONICET) in Puerto Madryn facing possible interruption of long‑term studies on coastal ecosystems, climate impact and sustainable fisheries.

A report from the National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA) warned that 889 workers entered a voluntary retirement scheme in 2026, representing 18.2 % of its permanent staff. Over two and a half years the institute has lost about 1,800 personnel, undermining scientific, technological, territorial and institutional functions. The assessment flagged that 23 % of activities risk total discontinuity and 48 % suffer significant impact, affecting research, innovation and extension across 102 operational units and numerous regional agricultural chains.