Bolsonaro is making cutbacks in science and universities see research grants disappearing

Bolsonaro is making cutbacks in science and universities see research grants disappearing
The cuts in education amount to R$800 million, according to SBPC. Photo: reproduction

The flag in Brazil has suffered from constant cuts over the years. According to data from the Brazilian Association for the Advancement of Science, Capes (Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel) and CNPq (National Council for Scientific and Technological Development) have lost about 51% of their research funding budget in the past 10 years.

The entity survey is more worrying for 2022. The data did not take into account the recent cuts made by the government, but so far, in the Ministry of Education alone, the reduction is R$802.6 million.

Scientific production in Brazil takes place mostly in postgraduate programs (Masters and PhD) in public universities. The scholarships are currently R$1,500 for a master’s degree and R$2,200 for a Ph.D., which has not been adjusted for years.

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Cuts in science push researchers to leave the country

This phenomenon, known as brain drain, is increasingly present in Brazil. It mainly happens when young researchers look for opportunities to get scholarships and work in universities abroad, motivated by unemployment and low scientific funding in the country.

Brazil is increasingly losing the best researchers, due to the fragility and abolition of public higher education, to the countries of the Global North, which are considered “developed”.

The cuts also hinder publication of articles in the country’s academic journals, which depend on public funding to circulate scientific production.

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By Andrea Hargraves

"Wannabe internet buff. Future teen idol. Hardcore zombie guru. Gamer. Avid creator. Entrepreneur. Bacon ninja."