The Congregation of the Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (FMUSP) publicly expresses its indignation at the lamentable and surprising attitude of the Ministry of Economy, which established a cut of 87% of the resources destined to foster the development of Brazilian science. This manifesto is in line with the clamor of countless other Universities, Research Institutes and Scientific Societies across the country.

The stoppage of ongoing research, inevitable due to the modification of PLN 16/2021 by the Ministry of Economy, will cause immediate negative effects and irreparable consequences for many years to come. Good science demands continuity and maintenance of capable and committed human resources. By interrupting this virtuous line, Brazil compromises its future and extends the journey that will lead us to mastery of knowledge and technologies that are indispensable and necessary for the lives of Brazilians, such as those developed and used, with international prominence during the coronavirus pandemic.

Without presenting plausible grounds, the cut in resources in the order of R$ 515 million reais by the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development – ​​CNPq – disrespects Complementary Law 177/2021, which prevents the contingency of FNDCT resources. This unacceptable attitude makes the necessary continuity and expansion of the promotion of scientific research unfeasible, as well as preventing the granting of research grants, essential for the training of human resources focused on scientific investigation.

It is incomprehensible to withdraw resources programmed for scientific, technological and innovation development, even more considering that recently the CNPq, with this amount, launched a new Universal Public Call, which constitutes an important injection of resources to support scientific development national and that it must be honored.

It is imperative that the laws democratically established by the National Congress are respected and that Complementary Law 177/2021 supersedes PLN 16/2021.

It is, therefore, imperative to reverse the cut in CNPq resources determined by the absurdity PLN 16/2021.

Manifesto of the Collegiate of Full Professors of FMUSP