Between Crisis and Hope in the Laboratories
Exploring the paradox of Argentine science achieving excellence amid severe systemic crisis
In a corner of an Argentine laboratory, a scientist observes gamma-ray images from a protoplanetary nebula, a discovery that "forces rewriting astrophysics textbooks." A few meters away, a colleague struggles to repair obsolete equipment, while a research fellow wonders if they'll receive their next stipend. This scene captures the essence of contemporary Argentine science: an extraordinary combination of scientific excellence and institutional precarity.
Argentina has a globally recognized scientific tradition with researchers and research that has left its mark on global knowledge.
The system supporting scientists faces its most critical moment in decades with unprecedented budget cuts.
How is it possible that in a context of historical defunding, discoveries of international stature continue to emerge? Where is Argentine science heading when navigating between the budgetary precipice and the firm determination of its scientific community?
Argentine science faces unprecedented historical defunding. According to the latest available data, the Science and Technology Function of the National Budget fell 30.3% in real terms during 2024, standing at just 0.214% of Gross Domestic Product 1 .
Science & Technology Budget (2024)
of GDP (2024)
Projected for 2025
CONICET Budget (2025)
CONICET announced that during 2024 there would be no calls to enter new researchers or fellows, interrupting the natural renewal of the scientific system 5 .
Many young doctors choose to emigrate or seek work outside the scientific field due to lack of prospects in the country 5 .
There is a marked under-execution of those items that involve investment in infrastructure, equipment, capital goods and consumer goods 1 .
"Science develops with people... but also with supplies, with equipment and infrastructure." - Diego Rodríguez, Secretary of Science and Technology of the National University of Mar del Plata 5
In a context of systemic adversity, the achievements of Argentine science in 2024 are notable for their diversity and excellence. Doctor in Chemistry Valeria Edelsztein, CONICET researcher, compiled together with Doctor in Philosophy Claudio Cormick a selection of 22 Argentine scientific advances that demonstrate the vitality of national research even in precarious conditions 9 .
The Detect-AR Dengue TEST NS1 ELISA kit became the first national antigen test for the diagnosis of any of the four dengue serotypes, approved by ANMAT 9 .
Entirely generated in the country and launched in pharmacies, it demonstrated very low potential to produce local or systemic adverse reactions 9 .
Sequencing of the genome of the corn leafhopper for more precise control of pests affecting crops 9 .
Discovery of three new species of dinosaurs that revise theories about dinosaur evolution 9 .
Identification of a gene signature for prostate cancer to develop a genomic kit to predict cancer aggressiveness 9 .
"It is hypocritical to say that until December 10, 2023 we were perfect, but now we are seeing something unheard of. They are forcing a lot of people who were trained here, with resources from here, to leave the country and not return. That is throwing overboard all the future we can have." - Valeria Edelsztein 9
To understand how Argentine science achieves excellent results in an adverse context, it is illustrative to examine in depth one of its most emblematic recent projects: the complete sequencing of the Malbec grape genome.
Samples of leaves and berries of Malbec vines from different wine regions of Argentina were collected.
An optimized protocol was implemented to extract high-quality DNA, free of contaminants.
Using Illumina technology, massive parallel sequencing was performed.
The sequenced fragments were assembled as a complex bioinformatic puzzle.
Genes identified as responsible for characteristics of interest were validated.
The analysis of the results revealed the unique genetic architecture of Argentine Malbec, identifying molecular markers associated with oenological quality and resistance to abiotic stress. Specifically, the study discovered genetic variants related to the synthesis of anthocyanins (pigments that give color to wine) and tannins (responsible for structure and aging capacity), as well as drought resistance genes that explain Malbec's adaptability to different regions of Argentina.
Identification of genes responsible for color and structure
Discovery of drought resistance genes
Strategic value for $800M+ annual exports
The importance of these findings transcends the laboratory: they open the door to the development of strains more adaptable to climate change and improvements in the quality of Argentina's flagship varietal 9 .
Faced with chronic underfunding, the Argentine scientific community has developed ingenious strategies to keep research active.
"It is very important to highlight that we are carrying this out with other science and technology institutions, particularly in Mar del Plata we do it with CONICET and INTA" - Diego Rodríguez 5 .
Argentina has Law 26.899/2013 of Institutional Digital Repositories of Open Access, which requires that all scientific-technological production carried out with public funding be deposited in free and open repositories 5 .
CONICET recently presented the catalog "CONICET to the World", a strategic tool to project the country's scientific and technological capabilities in international markets, encourage investments and position Argentine science as a foreign policy resource .
The future of Argentine science is debated between two opposing forces: the inertia of defunding and the resistance of a scientific community determined to preserve a heritage of almost seventy years.
Search for alternative financing and articulation with the productive sector through technological linkage strategies.
Growing scientific activism that transcends laboratories to settle in public space through communication efforts.
The Science Financing Law and the Science 2030 Plan offer a solid regulatory structure, though government non-compliance limits development 2 .
"Our science is future, sovereignty and development. Because knowledge is our identity and strength. Because our science builds the Argentine nation." - National Science Week 2025 motto 2
The crossroads of Argentine science represents something deeper than a budgetary debate: it is a discussion about the model of country that Argentina imagines for tomorrow.
Where Argentine science is heading will ultimately depend on a collective choice between conceiving knowledge as a dispensable expense or understanding it as the basis of national sovereignty in the 21st century. As Valeria Edelsztein warned, allowing this heritage to be eroded means "throwing overboard all the future we can have" 9 . The direction that science takes in the coming years will inevitably be the direction that Argentina takes as a nation.