The Ministry of Economy orders a 90% cut in scientific resources, scientists appeal to Pacheco | Myriam Piglet

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In one fell swoop, the Ministry of Economy lowered the projected resources for science, which will be allocated for research support grants, and for projects already scheduled by the CNPQ. The Minister of Economy sent an official letter to the Mixed Budget Committee ordering the withdrawal of R$690 million that was already expected for scientific projects, leaving only R$55 million left. Eight scientific entities made an appeal this evening to the president of the Senate, Rodrigo Pacheco, saying that if it prevailed, “the survival of science and innovation in the country is in question.” Among other entities, the document was signed by the Brazilian Association of Sciences and the SBPC.

The document sent to Pacheco entitled “The maneuver of the Ministry of Economy confronts the national flag.” He says that “the PLN 16 amendment, made at the last minute, today, by the Mixed Budget Committee, in response to an official letter sent by the Ministry of Economy, puts forward resources for scholarship and research support from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovations and makes it impossible for projects already scheduled by CNPq.

This PLN allocated R$690 million to MCTI, and it went to scholarships and the so-called Universal Edict of CNPq. “It is a severe blow to science and innovation, which is detrimental to national development.” Scientists and professors from the signatories to the document reported that an official letter from the ministry “at the last minute”, on the eve of the budget committee meeting, orders to reduce scientific resources by 90% and transfer them to other ministries.

The document was also signed by the associations bringing together leaders of federal higher educational institutions, research support institutions, the Federal Network for Professional and Scientific Education, regional state secretaries and the Institute of Humanities.