These past days have been difficult for my home institution @CIDE_MX. Colleagues and friends from various countries have been wondering that the problem is. They have kindly asked how we are. I feel very grateful and I would like to explain to them what the current issues are:
CIDE is a public research institute focused on social sciences (history, law, economics, international relations, journalism, public administration/policy). We do research and provide training for Mexican and Latin American undergraduate/graduate students, and public officials.
Last week, CIDE was notified of a 75% cut in its operational budget. This is $ used for energy, water, and services related to keeping the premises ready for daily activities. It also applies to expenses for organising national/international workshops, travel, publications, etc.
These cuts come at a time when CIDE is already struggling financially for other reasons. First, funding for scholarships has been reduced. As a public institution that promotes academic excellence but also social mobility, this will make life more difficult for our students.
For instance, in our PhD in Public Policy (of which I have the privilege of being academic coordinator), we have 14 prospective students but less than 5 scholarships. How will we retain them if we cannot support their full-time dedication? Our other programmes are facing the same
Second, in recent months there have been attempts from the government to expropriate CIDE’s “fideicomisos”. These are resources that have been self-generated with donations, international projects, advisory fees, etc. The fideicomisos give extra funds and multi-year flexibility.
Therefore, the 75% cuts come in the worst of times. CIDE’s financial room for manoeuvre is already compromised. These cuts (and the potential expropriation of fideicomisos) will affect student retention, international networking, CIDE's press, and our core teaching and research.
The CIDE community understands Mexico and the world are facing extremely challenging times. But we also know that the best way in which we can contribute in these times is supporting our students, as well as researching/advising on how to better face the pandemia and its effects.
Indeed, my CIDE colleagues, including many located in the National Laboratory of Public Policy (@LNPP_MX) and CIDE’s Aguascalientes campus, are already working on key COVID19 related projects:
sc-cosmo.org
animalpolitico.com/el-contagio/el…
cide.edu/coronavirus/fe…
sc-cosmo.org
animalpolitico.com/el-contagio/el…
cide.edu/coronavirus/fe…
Many others are drafting papers exploring social, economic, and policy aspects of the health/economic crises. Most importantly, all of us have continued doing what we know best: socially committed high-quality research and teaching, focused on Mexico with an international view.
We know these pressures are affecting all public research institutions, whose own resources are at risk. Cuts will also apply to all federal ministries and agencies. Therefore, it is not only the future of CIDE that is at risk, but that of Mexico’s sciences and public services.
In times when most governments around the world are increasing expenditure and national debt to better support their societies and economies, the Mexican government has opted for austerity policies, with the exception of the hugely indebted PEMEX and the president’s pet projects.
As a result, public service gaps are broadening. Administrative capacities are being undermined. Inequality and poverty are increasing. Expert advise is being ignored. Accountability is lost in blame-games. We at CIDE need to study/explain/understand what is going on in Mexico.
The government’s austerity view is affecting CIDE’s finances and its very mission. It is certainly damaging our morale in already trying times. But those who know us well also know CIDE’s community is stronger than this. Thanks for your sincere support. We will make it through.
