|  ElCiudadano.cl |  Noticias

El Ciudadano

Original article: “Hay formas de gobernar que atacan la ciencia”: el palo de Marcelo Lagos que en Chile cayó justo donde duele

Geographer Marcelo Lagos made a strong statement against governments that cut funding to science, reflecting on the situation in Chile since José Kast took office.

«Science is vital, and there are governing methods that clearly attack it,» the scientific communicator stated during an interview on the morning show Contigo en la mañana.

While discussing the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that occurred in Japan on Monday and its potential impacts on Chile, Lagos highlighted the technological capabilities of the Asian nation in handling such emergencies.

He noted Japan’s advanced radar systems and emphasized the effective coordination between authorities and media to alert the public about evacuation areas.

«There is a dialogue between the media and early warning systems, and NHK (Japan’s public broadcasting service),» he explained.

Reflecting on his analysis, host Eduardo de la Iglesia expressed regret that Chile lacks a similar infrastructure.

«Praying for radars so meteorologists can provide accurate forecasts. When will we have that technology?» he indicated.

In response, the geographer questioned the political decisions that slash scientific funding.

“These are typical strategies. (Donald) Trump has been doing this for a while now. Trump already banned weather balloons at U.S. airports,” he declared, referencing the American president’s decision to limit the use of equipment that provides information on atmospheric pressure, temperature, humidity, and wind, among other variables.

Since the Republican magnate’s return to the White House, the American scientific system has faced one of its deepest crises in decades, marked by budget cuts, massive layoffs, and defunding of key agencies. The National Institutes of Health (NIH), which fund approximately 40% of basic research in the U.S., have experienced budget reductions that directly impact universities and research centers nationwide.

Lagos’ remarks prompted a strong reaction from meteorologist Allison Göhler, who asked, “Why?”

In a decisive response, the scientific communicator stated: “Each time, they keep cutting science budgets, so enjoy what you voted for,” targeting both the Trump administration and similar political regimes.

Cuts and Suspension of International Scholarships Since Kast’s Arrival

The academic’s criticisms come at a time when President José Antonio Kast’s government has decided to implement a 3% fiscal cut to ministries, including the sensitive and crucial ministry for the country’s development, the Ministry of Science.

It is worth noting that in mid-March, Science Minister Ximena Lincolao announced the decision taken by Kast to temporarily suspend master’s and postdoctoral scholarships abroad, a measure that she stated originates from the budget cuts imposed on ministries by the President.

«The idea is to strengthen our universities and use scholarship funding abroad where it is more appropriate and valuable, such as for doctoral programs,» the state secretary said at that time, as reported by El Mercurio de Santiago.

Milei’s ‘Chainsaw’ Approach to Science

In Argentina, due to the ‘chainsaw’ policy applied by President Javier Milei, the scientific and technological system is experiencing its worst crisis since the return of democracy.

Since the libertarian took office in December 2023, over 5,700 jobs in the sector have been destroyed, amounting to a loss of 7.5 scientists per day under this far-right government, according to records from the Ibero-American Center for Research in Science, Technology, and Innovation (Ciicti).

The budget for the Science and Technology function in 2026 includes a 50.8% cut compared to the 2023 budget (before the arrival of the libertarian), representing just 0.14% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Meanwhile, the National Council for Scientific and Technical Research (Conicet), which is considered the main scientific body in the country, is facing a critical situation due to Milei’s administration measures, which include cuts to scholarships, a freeze on budgets, and worker layoffs.

The salaries of Conicet researchers have declined by 39.9% since 2023, leading to an increasing number of Argentine scientists seeking opportunities abroad.

La entrada Marcelo Lagos Critiques Governments Undermining Science Funding: A Call for Change se publicó primero en El Ciudadano.