Dr. Reinaldo Di Polo, a physiologist, and Dr. Gioconda San Blas, a microbiologist, were distinguished scientists at the Centro de Biofisica y Bioquimica (IVIC) in Caracas. IVIC faculty retire after 30 years of service and then take part in the Permanence in Research Activities (PLI) program, a program that has been in place for decades. The PLI program includes 3-year terms that are renewable. The Venezuelan government decided to close down the PLI program. … continue reading >>

These actions are believed to be part of initiatives by the Government to curtail the independence and resources of the science establishment of Venezuela. Inexperienced professionals with little scientific experience have been appointed to positions of authority, according to ACFIMAN, resources to universities and research centers are cut, and support of proposals is distributed according to the “social aim” of the research proposal rather than scientific merit. All of these steps diminish the scientific establishment of Venezuela, its independence and vitality. … continue reading >>