Latin America to strengthen research base through integration
The Latin American research community is following the example of its European counterpart and seeking to integrate the region's scientific capacity. Some 350 scientists and other stakeholders from Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Mexico met recently in Bogotá, where they called for the coordination of research efforts, and urged both governments and the private sector to increase funding for science and technology as a way of boosting social and economic development. 'We need to start with simple actions,' said Eric Goles, President of the Chilean commission for scientific and technological research. A first step would be for each country to provide four scholarships annually for young researchers to follow leading PhD programmes in neighbouring countries, suggested Mr Goles. The region's governments are already aware of the importance of research and development, and are currently funding the majority of each country's research, through universities. The challenge remains, however, to encourage further investment by industry. 'If we do not show industry that research means better income, and that their pockets will benefit, we won't be successful in convincing them,' said Director of innovation and technological development at the Mexican council of science and technology, Guillermo Aguirre-Espindola.
Countries
Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico