Concern over the attack on scientific research in Argentina

Statement from the member centers and organizations linked to CLACSO in Argentina regarding the attacks on CONICET and scientific research by the national government

The member centers and organizations affiliated with CLACSO in Argentina express their deep concern regarding recent reports in various media outlets about a possible intervention by the national government in CONICET, the main agency dedicated to promoting science and technology in Argentina. In addition to these reports, they also highlight the freeze on admissions to research positions and doctoral scholarships, which is leading to an exodus of young researchers whose training and research development are being hampered.

They also express their complete rejection of the modifications introduced by Decree of the National Executive Branch regarding the composition of the steering committee of the National Agency for the Promotion of Research, Technological Development and Innovation (I+D Agency), after months of inaction and paralysis in its tasks and objectives. The criticisms leveled by the presidential spokesperson against a project funded by said Agency reveal a clear attempt to establish mechanisms of ideological control and censorship of research topics and agendas. This has already been seen recently with the High-Impact Federal Networks Projects, where, in an unprecedented and scandalous decision, funding for ongoing projects is being interrupted, a process that operates exclusively for those in the area of ​​social sciences.

All of this is part of the Argentine national government's sustained attack on the scientific and university system, which goes beyond defunding knowledge production and public science. It shows a particular emphasis on limiting research in the fields of social sciences, humanities, and arts, reintroducing harassment and censorship that are unacceptable in a democratic society. We denounce this serious situation before the international community and our colleagues in Latin America and the Caribbean.

From the member centers and organizations linked to CLACSO in Argentina, a call is made for unity among all citizens in defense of the important place that science and technology have in the development of the country without hindering or defunding any of its disciplinary areas.

July 5, 2025
Member centers and affiliated organizations
CLACSO Argentina