CADIC-CONICET faces researcher exodus and funding shortages

Atilio Zangrando, director of CADIC-CONICET, has warned of a growing crisis within Argentina’s national scientific system due to funding shortages and delays in researcher appointments. The lack of resources and professional uncertainty are driving a brain drain, as highly trained specialists seek employment abroad or in other sectors.

Zangrando highlighted a significant gap in personnel renewal, noting that out of 850 positions called for in 2022, only 250 were filled last year. This leaves a deficit of approximately 559 researchers. This failure to renew the workforce threatens the continuity of research lines, particularly as older researchers retire and there are insufficient new professionals to take their place.

The director stated that CONICET and the country’s scientific sector are “practically defunded,” with available resources failing to meet the requirements necessary to strengthen essential research initiatives, including those strategic to Tierra del Fuego.