Over the past few decades, the migration of highly skilled professionals has reshaped the global landscape of science and innovation. For countries in the Global South, this dynamic has often led to the dispersion of invaluable human capital. Venezuela exemplifies this trend with the significant departure of scientists, researchers, and knowledge workers who, driven by economic and political instability, have established themselves around the world.

Rather than viewing this exodus as an irreversible loss, it is time to reframe it as a unique opportunity. The Venezuelan scientific diaspora is not only active and globally connected, but also deeply committed to the advancement of their home country and the wider Latin American region. Their potential to contribute to local development through science diplomacy, international collaboration, and knowledge circulation is immense.

With this in mind, Universidad Simón Bolívar and MacondoLab, with the support of Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC), have launched a regional initiative titled:
"The Venezuelan Scientific Diaspora: Collaboration and Engagement Potential for the Development of Scientific Ecosystems in Latin America and the Caribbean."

A Strategic Approach to Diaspora Engagement

This project seeks to understand and strengthen the ties between the Venezuelan scientific diaspora and their countries of origin, not only in Venezuela but throughout Latin America. Our goal is to generate practical and evidence-based recommendations for decision-makers and funding agencies, with a view toward enhancing regional scientific cooperation and innovation ecosystems.

To achieve this, we have designed a multi-dimensional research approach that includes:

• A comprehensive review of international models for engaging scientific diasporas and their effectiveness in different contexts.

• The development of comparative case studies from four Global South countries—Argentina, Mexico, Brazil, and Colombia—to identify best practices, challenges, and innovation opportunities.

• A participatory analysis of the experiences, capacities, and needs of organized Venezuelan scientific diaspora networks.

• The formulation of strategic policy recommendations aimed at international cooperation agencies, national science systems, and diaspora organizations.

Why This Matters

Scientific diasporas can serve as powerful transnational connectors—mobilizing talent, fostering bi-directional learning, promoting South–South collaboration, and opening access to international research networks. Their engagement is particularly relevant for countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, where strengthening science and technology systems is essential to meet pressing societal challenges and advance sustainable development.

By linking the expertise and commitment of diaspora scientists with institutional efforts in the region, we can build more inclusive, resilient, and future-oriented research ecosystems. Recognizing and leveraging these connections is not just a matter of national interest, but a regional priority.

Participate in Our Survey (in Spanish)

We are currently gathering insights directly from members of the Venezuelan scientific diaspora through an online survey designed to capture their experiences, aspirations, and ideas for engagement. The survey is available in Spanish at the following link:

https://forms.gle/b9ieengzGwy7omhBA

Whether you are working in academia, the private sector, international organizations, or innovation hubs abroad, your voice matters. Your participation will directly inform the design of policies and strategies that recognize the diaspora not as a lost asset, but as a central partner in the future of science in Latin America. We warmly invite organized groups of Venezuelan scientific diaspora to reach out and explore opportunities for collaboration with our project team.

🔗 If you are interested in connecting with the project leadership team or exploring potential collaborations, write to us at: diaspora.cientifica@unisimon.edu.co