Brain drain or brain circulation? a perspective from Latin American scientists

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Science and Technology Studies
• International Development

Background:

• Persistent North-South research asymmetries impact knowledge production and circulation.
• Increasing scientific mobility offers potential for equitable global scientific exchanges, reframing 'brain drain' as 'brain circulation'.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the intersection of structural inequalities and diaspora engagement in global scientific collaborations.
• To understand how scientists from the Global South perceive and navigate research system disparities.

Main Methods:

• Combines conceptual analysis with survey data from 107 primarily Latin American researchers.
• Investigates perceptions of intellectual recognition, authorship, funding, agenda-setting, and publishing systems.

Main Results:

• Researchers identified significant asymmetries in intellectual recognition, authorship, funding, and agenda-setting.
• Publishing systems (language barriers, costs) exacerbate disparities, with women reporting higher inequality.
• Diaspora scientists are seen as key mediators for equitable collaboration but face career precarity and institutional limitations.

Conclusions:

• The transformative potential of scientific diaspora is constrained by persistent structural inequalities and inadequate institutional support.
• Achieving equitable 'brain circulation' requires systemic reforms to address deep-rooted asymmetries in the global scientific system.