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by Ivan Chambouleyron,
Nature 401, 208 (1999) © Macmillan Publishers Ltd.
Latin America treats science
as a curiosity Sir -- Latin American politicians rarely have
a clear understanding of the role that science and
technology play in the modern world: these are simply seen
as parts of the political game. Commitment to those in
power counts for more than professional expertise when it
comes to both research funding and appointment to
decision-making positions. As a result, research activities
are plagued by disruptive political instabilities. Funding
is not only scarce, but poorly distributed and badly spent:
programmes are established without clear scientific
objectives and money is given to researchers who lack the
right scientific background. This pattern may not apply to
some Latin American institutions, but it is generally valid
and does much to explain why Latin America's contribution to
the production of knowledge is so small. National research
councils have been established throughout the region, along
with modern universities with research programmes. But
efforts have been mainly directed towards maintaining this
uppermost level of scientific activity. Science education
has never been given priority in state schools.
There are few science museums
for the public or specialist journalists who can spread
science news in an accessible way. This situation reflects
an official belief (never explicitly expressed) that Latin
America needs only a limited number of top scientists, not a
scientifically literate population. It permeates research
agendas and budgets, encouraging advanced projects without
thought for the limitations of local expertise and
industrial infrastructure, leading to frustration and wasted
resources. The authorities neglect to develop modest
programmes that could help strengthen a scientific culture.
Without decisive action in this latter direction, science in
Latin America will continue to be a curiosity and, at most,
a source of personal prestige for some gifted scientists.
The ever-widening technological gap that separates us from
the industrialized world will not be filled without bridges
between popular thought and the language of science. One of
the greatest challenges in establishing an independent
research capacity in developing countries is to support both
the spread of scientific culture and the strengthening of
local research teams. Both deserve adequate funding and
training.
Ivan Chambouleyron State
University of Campinas -- Unicamp,
PO Box 6197, 13083-970 Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
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