Senacyt requests $17 million budget increase for Panama research

The National Secretariat of Science, Technology and Innovation (Senacyt) has requested a $17.1 million budget adjustment for the 2027 fiscal year. While the Ministry of Economy and Finance proposed a budget of $63 million, Senacyt seeks a total of $80 million to meet its operational and investment needs.

Eduardo Ortega Barría, the national secretary of Senacyt, stated that the additional funds are intended entirely for investment projects. This includes $6.5 million for Indicasat, $3 million for scholarships, and $2.5 million for Infoplazas. He warned that failing to secure this adjustment could lead to the dismissal of researchers and students, as well as the potential closure of research centers.

In related Panamanian administrative news, the Ministry of Health announced it will have approximately $1.8 million available to pay extraordinary shifts for medical, technical, and administrative personnel for June and July 2026, following the approval of several fund transfers.