Brazilian scientists upset by apparent demotion of science ministry
DOI: 10.1063/PT.5.029822
Nature : Upon taking over for Brazil’s impeached president Dilma Rousseff, interim leader Michel Temer quickly acted to combine the ministry that deals with science and technology with the ministry that oversees telecommunications and internet regulations. The new “superministry” is subdivided into divisions, of which science is now one of the main offices. Many Brazilian scientists are unhappy with the move, which they say will further erode the ministry’s authority and ability to support and fund research. The reorganization comes after several years of extreme cuts to science funding, with 2016’s proposed budget cutting science funding by 37%. Three ministers had been appointed to run the science ministry in the past 16 months.
