From brain drain to brain circulation: evidence from women scientists in OWSD Honduras National Chapter

Honduras invests minimally in research and development (0.06% of GDP), contributing to highly qualified professional emigration. When individuals migrate, they may return to Honduras or become part of the scientific diaspora. The exchange of knowledge between professionals abroad and those in their country of origin constitutes "brain circulation", a process with significant potential to support scientific ecosystems in contexts of low research and development investment. This study examined how the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) Honduras National Chapter fosters brain circulation and supports scientific development through networks connecting local and diaspora women scientists.

A sequential explanatory-exploratory mixed-methods design analyzed OWSD Honduras National Chapter membership (N = 171, established 2020), with the quantitative phase examining geographic distribution and disciplinary composition, and the qualitative phase employing semi-structured interviews to comprehend migration motivations, professional trajectories, gender barriers, and engagement with Honduras.

Findings showed that Honduran women scientists represented diverse academic disciplines, and their diaspora is found across 13 countries. While structural factors such as limited research infrastructure and funding constraints drive scientist migration, OWSD Honduras National Chapter serves as a space where brain circulation persists and has potential to thrive. Diaspora and returnee scientists engage with this organization to participate in knowledge exchange, access collaborative projects, and develop mentoring relationships. Participants identified OWSD Honduras National Chapter as a safe, non-competitive platform strengthening brain circulation through visibility, networking, and coordination activities, though sustainability and operational capacity challenges were noted.

OWSD Honduras National Chapter exemplifies how global entities with local ties can successfully connect diaspora and national scientific communities and contribute to scientific development despite structural constraints. By documenting brain circulation patterns among women scientists in Honduras, this study reveals specific opportunities for system improvements tailored to the local context.