# A devastating blow: personal reflections on Argentina’s scientific decline

## TL;DR

The paper reflects on how defunding Argentina's scientific institutions is harming progress and forcing researchers to leave the country.

## Contribution

The novel contribution is a personal and historical account of Argentina's scientific decline due to institutional defunding.

## Key findings

- Defunding of CONICET and INTA is pushing talented researchers to seek opportunities abroad.
- Argentina's scientific achievements are at risk due to reduced funding.
- Lack of investment in science weakens the country's problem-solving and global competitiveness.

## Abstract

As an Argentine scientist, the defunding of CONICET and INTA feels like a blow to progress and our future. Despite free education, these cuts force talented researchers to seek opportunities abroad. Argentina’s history of scientific achievement, from Nobel Prizes to COVID-19 vaccines, is at risk. Defunding science weakens our ability to solve problems and compete globally.