Argentinian scientists and researchers mobilized before the Obelisk on Wednesday to demand the government of President Javier Milei enforce the University Financing Law, protesting a severe sector crisis marked by job losses and the lowest projected science investment since 1972.
The protest, held under the slogan “I wear the science jersey,” was called to make visible the widespread dismantling of the scientific system.
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Since December 2023, an average of seven jobs per day have been lost in areas linked to research, and projected investment for 2026 has dropped to 0.14% of GDP—the lowest figure since 1972, according to sector data.
One recent flashpoint was the National Council for Scientific and Technical Research’s (Conicet) decision not to renew postdoctoral fellowships for 379 researchers trained in the country. Rocío, a former fellow affected by the measure, lamented: “A few days ago we were fired because we were not granted the extension. This generates a discontinuity in our careers, loss of research lines, and the absence of science in this Government.”
Conicet researcher Gonzalo warned of a “general emptying process,” detailing that the agency has lost 2,400 jobs. He further noted that a loss of salary purchasing power close to 50 percent in recent years forces many professionals to seek second or third jobs to survive.
NOS PONEMOS LA CAMISETA PARA DEFENDER LA CIENCIA ARGENTINA
Este miércoles 12 de agosto nos movilizamos en todo el país para defender la ciencia, la tecnología y las universidades públicas frente al desfinanciamiento y el desmantelamiento impulsado por el Gobierno nacional. pic.twitter.com/90y5IJllG1
— CONADU Histórica (@CONADUHistorica) August 11, 2026
Wednesday’s protest also targeted the repeated non-compliance with University Financing Law No. 27,795, approved by Congress but not applied by the Milei administration, the demonstrators pointed out. They also indicate that the libertarian administration did not comply with a precautionary measure ordering salary and fellowship updates, nor did it execute the signed agreement to guarantee operating funds for university hospitals.
The Ministry of Human Capital escalated tensions by issuing an official statement labeling the measure as “illegitimate” and ratifying that the Government is complying with the budget and salary commitments assumed with the university system, the ministry said in its communiqué.
August 19 will mark 300 days since the law’s sanction. For that date, the National Universities Union Front plans a visibility day, while the union organization Conadu Histórica has already announced it will extend protests with a five-day strike between August 18 and 22.
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