Numerous research institutions in Brazil and Argentina have been adversely affected by funding cuts. In Brazil, the federal government announced major cuts across all government agencies in March, decreasing the proposed 2017 science budget by 44% and making it the lowest federal science budget since 2005 at BRL 2.8 billion ($888 million). This has added extra pressure on scientists, as the government has been cutting the science budget every year since 2013.

Similarly in Argentina, the federal government reduced the budget of the science ministry by 36%. Junior researchers especially have been facing challenges, as the National Scientific Technical Research Council cut its proposed number of potential new research posts in half due to budget cuts.

Both Brazil and Argentina have made efforts to fund research through the private sector, but results so far have been mixed, with no major changes yet.

Source: Nature