Alleged irregularities at Minciencias have been reported, which could affect multi-million dollar technology and innovation funding opportunities.

Crisis in Science: Why are $2.7 trillion COP in innovation funds at risk in Colombia?A severe storm is shaking the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (Minciencias). Unions, universities, and associations have raised an alarm over what they consider a "legal paralysis" that has left nine key calls for proposals, funded by royalty resources, in limbo.The heart of the conflict is significant: 2.7 trillion pesos intended to bridge technological gaps in the regions are at stake—an effort that now seems to be floundering amidst paperwork and changes in legal interpretation.The Origin of the Dispute: A Technical ConceptThe controversy centers on an interpretation by the National Planning Department (DNP) regarding the use of resources by bienniums (two-year periods). * The Affected Parties' Stance: They denounce that Minciencias "arbitrarily" applied a concept that prevents the funding of projects not approved in the previous biennium. They argue that the "principle of continuity" exists and that there are already precedents where projects from past periods were funded without issues. * Minciencias' Stance: Under the leadership of Minister Yesenia Olaya, the Ministry maintains that they must strictly adhere to the budgetary rules of the General Royalty System (SGR) ratified by the DNP, which dictate that the availability of resources has clear temporal limits.> "The efforts of hundreds of scientists, communities, and universities have been buried... This ineffectiveness is not just an administrative setback; it is the extinction of vital resources." — Excerpt from a statement signed by 14 university rectors and research centers.> What is Really Happening?Beyond the legal discussion, complainants point to structural problems that have delayed the processes: * High Turnover: There is talk of more than 10 technical secretaries in a short period, leading to constant changes in evaluation criteria. * Delays: Changes to schedules and addenda delayed projects until they "clashed" with the change of the biennium. * Uncertainty: Hundreds of researchers have already invested time and money in formulating projects that are now in a "legal limbo."Is There Light at the End of the Tunnel?The Office of the Inspector General (Procuraduría) has already intervened in the case. In recent meetings, the oversight body recommended seeking a legal solution that does not affect the country's scientific development. Work is underway on a "transition regime" to correct regulatory gaps and prevent years of work from being lost on paper.The development of science in Colombia cannot afford a blackout due to administrative interpretations. We will remain attentive to the results of the legal tables between the DNP and Minciencias to see if the resources finally reach those who are transforming the country from laboratories and the field.