Hundreds of protesters gathered in Buenos Aires on Wednesday to demand the restoration of funding for science and technology, which they say has been severely compromised since President Javier Milei took office. Under the slogan “I’m putting on the national team shirt for Argentina and our science,” participants displayed national flags and jerseys in the colors of the Argentine flag.

The demonstration took place less than a month after Argentina’s national team finished as runners-up in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, losing to Spain in the final. “We’re wearing Argentina’s shirt because during the World Cup we all celebrated here at the Obelisk. Now we’ve come to demand that the president fund science, technology, and universities,” said Laura Suad, a 50-year-old research astronomer who specializes in the Milky Way.

Protesters argue that the scientific system has experienced significant decline since Milei’s administration began in December 2023. They called for the extension of postdoctoral fellowships, which expired in July, demanded the confirmation of positions awarded through competitive selection processes, and urged for a salary increase.

”We can’t keep doing research. A new student joined the group to conduct research, and we don’t have a computer to give them; we can’t buy supplies at that level,” Suad added.

According to government data, the budget allocated for science and technology has fallen 43 percent in real terms between 2023 and 2026. In the same period, the sector’s share of the overall budget has also shrunk. A recent report from Economía Política Ciencia (Science and Political Economy, EPC) highlighted that salaries for researchers and support staff at the CONICET scientific research council have lost 40.5 percent of their real value since November 2023.

The protest also saw participation from political parties, trade unions, and pensioners’ organizations, who had just concluded a demonstration around the national Congress addressing low pensions.

This march is also notable as it coincides with the recent resignation of Darío Genua, who led the national Secretariat of Innovation, Science & Technology. Additionally, a letter signed by 24 Nobel laureates and other prominent scientists has been sent to President Milei, requesting an immediate halt to the funding cuts.