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The year 2026 is shaping up to be a complex period for science in Latin America. With the exception of Mexico, which projects a significant increase in its budgets, most countries face stagnation or cuts in investment in science, technology, and innovation (STI).
While Uruguay, Bolivia, and Chile will keep their budgets unchanged, Peru and Brazil will experience slight decreases. In the case of Argentina, the situation is critical: investment reaches historic lows, anticipating a new scientific exodus.
The Mexican Exception
Mexico deviates from the regional trend with an increase of 11% in its budget for science and technology. The total amount will rise from US$ 1.840 billion in 2025 to US$ 2.000 billion in 2026.
The Secretariat of Science, Humanities, Technology, and Innovation (SECIHTI), created in 2025 by President Claudia Sheinbaum, will see an increase of more than 800% in its exclusive budget: from US$ 16 million to US$ 148 million.
The funds will be allocated to strategic projects such as:
- Prototypes of compact electric cars.
- Development of semiconductors and supercomputers for climate, health, and security analysis.
- Observation satellites in low Earth orbit to expand rural connectivity and monitor risks.
However, the Mexican budget for STI remains stagnant at 0.2% of GDP, well below the 1% historically demanded by the scientific community.
Brazil: The Giant with Restrictions
Brazil, historically the country that invests the most in the region (about 1% of GDP), will consolidate a scenario of restricted public funding in 2026.
The National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) will have a budget of R$ 1.7 billion, a reduction of R$ 132.6 million compared to 2025. According to the SBPC, science represents only 0.35% of the national budget, compared to 3.35% allocated to education.
Peru and Bolivia: Setbacks and Historic Lows
In Peru, Concytec will suffer a reduction of 10.1% compared to 2025, interrupting the recovery initiated in 2013. Historically, the country has allocated between 0.12% and 0.18% of GDP to R&D, just a third of the Latin American average.
In Bolivia, under the presidency of Rodrigo Paz, investment in STI is expected to remain around 0.06% of GDP, the lowest level in South America. Experts warn of the need to create a virtuous circle between public policies, science, and innovation to strengthen the national system.
Uruguay and Chile: Stability with Uncertainty
In Uruguay, science gained institutional relevance by becoming a Secretariat directly subordinated to the Presidency. The scientific community demands a science law and a progressive increase to reach 1% of GDP by 2032. Currently, investment is around 0.4% of GDP.
In Chile, the rise to power of José Antonio Kast generates uncertainty about the future of investment in STI, although resources are expected to be maintained in 2026. The country invests around 0.4% of GDP, far from the 1% target promised in previous governments. Structural problems such as centralism persist, concentrating resources in a few universities.
Argentina: Historic Lows and Scientific Exodus
The most critical situation is recorded in Argentina, where investment fell to 0.14% of GDP, the lowest level in decades. The law that establishes a progressive increase to 1% by 2032 is being ignored.
Scientists’ salaries were reduced by 35%, and research teams face the risk of disintegration. According to specialists from Conicet, the country is experiencing a “disaster compared even to its regional neighbors.”
An Absent Strategic Vision for Science in Latin America
Specialist Benjamín Marticorena warns that the lack of investment is due to the absence of a strategic vision among Latin American political elites. Science, technology, and innovation have not been incorporated as factors of integral human development, perpetuating stagnation and the dismantling of resources.
2026 is shaping up to be a year of contrasts for science in Latin America: while Mexico bets on strategic projects, most countries face cuts, stagnation, or historic lows. Without a political vision that prioritizes science as a driver of development, the region risks deepening its technological dependence and losing valuable human capital.
By Aleida Rueda, Rodrigo de Oliveira Andrade, Zoraida Portillo, and Martín De Ambrosio/ SciDev.Net
