Argentina creates research program seeking the repatriation of scientists from abroad

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Scientific development is sustained by the daily work of a large group of academics and professionals who spend years researching in different disciplines. To expand this universe of knowledge, the CONICET (National Council for Scientific and Technological Research) has created 820 new positions for the career of a scientific and technological researcher.

Among the posts are 30 positions to be filled by Argentine scientists who have lived abroad for many years. The 30 researchers living abroad applied for these positions in the second half of 2020 and the first half of 2021.

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They will be integrated into the Argentine science and technology system as soon as they arrive in the country. This integration will be carried out through the Raíces program (Network of Argentine Researchers and Scientists Abroad) of the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation. The goal is to support and finance a large part of the costs of relocation and reinstallation.

The Raíces program has four main focuses: First, recognition, i.e., encouraging the return of Argentine researchers living abroad by providing scholarships to join CONICET and grants to finance their return, covering airfare and the cost of transporting personal belongings and scientific materials, whether equipment or bibliography.

Secondly, strengthening consists of promoting networks between scientific works produced in the country and linking them with Argentine academics working in the rest of the world. Currently, there are networks in 17 countries where Argentine researchers live.

Third, promoting the participation of Argentine scientists abroad in the formation of public policies in science, technology, and innovation.

Fourth, dissemination by promoting international training and development opportunities for Argentine researchers.

The Raíces program is aimed at researchers and highly qualified professionals who wish to return to their country and continue their professional activity in their field in a public or private institution and who have spent at least three years abroad. Raíces was recognized as a state policy by Law 26,421, approved by the National Congress in 2008 without a dissenting vote.