The State of Neuroscience in Latin America

The State of Neuroscience in Latin America report examines how researchers in six countries—Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Uruguay—conduct high-quality research despite numerous challenges. Researchers in the region face an ongoing lack of infrastructure and funding, making it difficult to carry out their work. However, Latin American neuroscientists demonstrate remarkable resilience and adaptability in the face of these obstacles.

One common theme among Latin American neuroscientists is their ability to make use of what is available to them. For example, researchers often utilize native animals as models to study neuroscience, taking advantage of the affordability and accessibility of nontraditional models. In the absence of readily available technology, such as electrodes, researchers often have to build their own infrastructure from scratch.

This ingenuity and resourcefulness are key attributes that enable Latin American neuroscientists to conduct high-quality research despite limited resources.

These stories of adaptation and innovation in Latin American neuroscience hold valuable lessons for researchers worldwide. By making the most of the resources available to them, Latin American neuroscientists inspire new ways of working and collaborating. However, the story of neuroscience in Latin America is not solely one of scarcity. Researchers across the region are continuously contributing important findings and innovative ideas to the field on an international scale.

The Transmitter focuses specifically on neuroscientists and institutions from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Uruguay. These six countries were selected based on extensive reporting and a study that quantified neuroscience and psychology research output. While this report does not provide a comprehensive picture, The Transmitter plans to continue covering neuroscience research in Latin America, including dispatches from the Federation of Latin American and Caribbean Neuroscience Societies (FALAN) meeting in Santiago, Chile.

While some countries within Latin America have developed neuroscience to a level that keeps pace with global standards, there remains a significant gap in many other countries. Despite this, the potential for growth and progress in neuroscience research throughout the region is vast.