Colombia’s science funding and research investment will increase if Congress passes a reform of its 1991 Constitution currently being drafted by the Colciencias (Department of Science, Technology and Innovation). The amendment would invest 10% of the royalties from government and private usage of oil, coal, gold, platinum and new minerals in research, totaling at minimum $250 million annually. Part of the funding generated by the reform would be used to train PhD students. Funds would also be designated for furthering investment in science, technology and innovation in less developed parts of the country, including regional research centers. The strategy shares elements with Brazil’s attempts to decentralize science and incorporate geographically relevant research. In order to be enacted, a reform is subjected to eight debates in the Congress. If the plan is approved next year, it will take effect in 2012.

Source: SciDev.net