Colombia's national science and technology (S&T) system is in crisis, exacerbated by the low level of state investment of just 0.2% of the gross domestic product (GDP), one of the lowest figures in Latin America. Knowledge generation and, by extension, its scientific dissemination, have significantly decreased. If we add to this the reduction in S&T system resources such as, for example, the allocation of royalty funds to the construction of road infrastructures, as well as the allocation of a considerable amount of the Colombian health research fund (FIS) (exactly 20billion of the existing 60billion, which comes from gaming and entertainment taxation) to pay for grants for medical and surgery residents in the country, the picture painted is bleak.
Through its scientific publications unit known as Publindex, the science and technology system has attempted to change the model for classifying these publications according to international visibility and citability parameters, which is still nothing more than a paradox.
Furthermore, an absurd algorithm has been devised for academics and professionals intending to conduct research in Colombia: publish a scientific publication with high international visibility without the financial resources to make solid and structured proposals and with professional activity limited to the application of knowledge generated in other populations, a reduced impact on the quality of life and wellbeing of individuals and the poor development of the country.
The Revista Colombiana de Psiquiatría is continuing its efforts to maintain high standards with the support of the Association and its Board of Directors. This year, as a new feature, we were the first to offer the full version in English, which is undoubtedly a major breakthrough. We hope to be able to count on the continued participation of all the members of the Association in rallying around and supporting the management of the journal, and to continue the quest to improve the psychology profession in Colombia.
Please cite this article as: Acosta CAP. La crisis de ciencia y tecnología en Colombia y sus consecuencias. Rev Colomb Psiquiat. 2017;46:55.
