Brazil’s science budget is on the brink of being eviscerated
By 
Rebecca Trager2021-11-16T09:35:00
Researchers and science associations in Brazil are working hard to reverse planned cuts of over 90% to the country’s science ministry
Brazilian researchers and science organisations are pushing back hard against the government’s move to slash the budget of the ministry of science, technology and innovation (MCTI) by more than 90%. The looming cuts come on top of additional dramatic funding cuts for programmes that support the country’s researchers.
The government originally allocated a R$690 million (£92.5 million) share of the budget to the MCTI in 2021, which would be distributed to the National Commission on Nuclear Energy (CNEN) and the National Funds for Scientific and Technological Development (FNDCT). FNDCT was supposed to receive R$655.4 million, while CNEN, which supervises Brazil’s nuclear programme and oversees the production of radiopharmaceuticals, was set to receive R$34.6 million.