Artigos

Artigos: Ciência na América Latina

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