Chilean science ministry faces backlash over research grant reforms

Chile's Ministry of Science, Technology, Knowledge and Innovation is facing significant backlash from the scientific community following proposed changes to the 2027 Fondecyt Postdoctoral grant criteria. Minister Ximena Lincolao has announced plans to direct up to 70% of resources toward ten priority areas, including mining, artificial intelligence, aquaculture, and cybersecurity, to address strategic national gaps. Additionally, the new rules will restrict applications to Chilean citizens or those with permanent residency.

Critics, including approximately 30 scientific societies and former Minister Aisén Etcheverry, argue that these changes undermine disciplinary diversity and academic excellence. They contend that the ministry failed to consult the Council of Rectors and Rectors (CRUCH) or other academic stakeholders before setting these priorities. There are also concerns that the shift devalues the humanities and social sciences by prioritizing 'hard' sciences.

Parallel tensions exist regarding the Becas Chile program. Following claims by the Ministry of Finance that failure to return to Chile after studying abroad constitutes 'social fraud,' the Ministry of Science announced a freeze on the program, with the exception of doctoral contests, as part of a broader reformulation process.