Panama City, Panama \u2013 Panama has significantly strengthened its scientific and technological capacity in recent years. The country has created new research centers, advanced training programs, and increased its number of active investigators. But this growth now faces serious challenges including talent retention, salary disparities between institutions, and fierce competition for highly qualified personnel.<\/p>\n
The situation came into sharp focus during a recent session of the National Assembly’s Commission on Health, Labor and Social Development. Officials presented the 2025 annual report of the Gorgas Memorial Institute for Health Studies, known locally as Icges. Its director, Nicanor III Obald\u00eda, warned that some public entities are losing trained professionals to more attractive offers within the national science system itself.<\/p>\n
\n“We have lost highly trained professionals who have decided to leave,” Obald\u00eda said, referring to staff transfers to other institutions. [Translated from Spanish]<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Obald\u00eda explained that the expansion of new scientific facilities could increase pressure on the limited human resources available. This is especially true in specialized technical areas. He mentioned one project tied to vaccine development that will require trained personnel to operate.<\/p>\n
\n“We have entered what I call cannibalism for technicians. They have already cannibalized four of ours,” he stated. [Translated from Spanish]<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
His comments reveal a growing tension inside Panama’s scientific ecosystem. The country is strengthening its research infrastructure. But the availability of talent is not keeping pace with that growth.<\/p>\n
Panama currently has 1,614 active researchers. They are distributed across the public sector, public and private companies, public interest associations (AIPs), higher education institutions, private non-profit organizations, and abroad. That data comes from official records.<\/p>\n
Salary Factor Drives Scientist Movement Between Institutions<\/h2>\n
Obald\u00eda acknowledged that salary differences between institutions are one of the main reasons behind professional mobility. The pay scales create an uneven playing field.<\/p>\n
\n“The salaries at the Gorgas Institute are not competitive,” he noted. [Translated from Spanish]<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Payroll data from the entity shows a senior health researcher can earn between $3,000 and $5,000 monthly. That amount depends on the position and accumulated experience. But other institutions offer more.<\/p>\n
Data from the Senacyt indicates Panama invests around 0.13 percent of its Gross Domestic Product in science, technology and innovation. That figure drops to 0.08 percent if you exclude investment from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, which is backed by the United States.<\/p>\n
Obald\u00eda added that the state invests significant resources in training specialists through scholarships, international training, conferences and internships. But some of those professionals end up accepting better job offers elsewhere.<\/p>\n
\n“We give them scholarships, we educate them, we send them to France, Ethiopia and the United States… but suddenly someone else comes and says: ‘I will pay you a thousand dollars more,'” he recounted. [Translated from Spanish]<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
For research centers, losing staff means more than losing accumulated experience. It can delay projects, increase training costs, and make replacing specialists extremely difficult. This creates a cycle of constant recruitment and training.<\/p>\n
The situation is not unique to Panama. Across Latin America, public institutions struggle to compete with better conditions offered by private universities, international organizations or centers with larger budgets.<\/p>\n
Mobility Versus Brain Drain Debate Divides Officials<\/h2>\n
National Secretary of Science, Technology and Innovation Eduardo Ortega Barr\u00eda offered a different perspective. He argued that mobility between institutions should not necessarily be interpreted as a loss. Instead, he sees it as a natural part of a dynamic scientific ecosystem where knowledge, capabilities and experiences circulate.<\/p>\n
From that viewpoint, researcher transfers can strengthen links between organizations. They can also encourage collaboration on national and international projects. This creates networks rather than isolated institutions.<\/p>\n
Ortega Barr\u00eda indicated that entities like the Gorgas Institute, the Institute for Scientific Research and High Technology Services of Panama (Indicasat-AIP), the Regional Center for Vaccine and Biopharmaceutical Innovation (Crivb-AIP), public and private universities, and other specialized centers maintain active relationships within the national scientific sector. These connections are vital.<\/p>\n
But the brain drain<\/a> phenomenon remains a concern for many experts. When highly skilled professionals leave, the investment in their training goes with them. The country loses both human capital and future potential.<\/p>\n
Scientist Who Moved Sees Growth Not Loss<\/h2>\n
Virologist and epidemiologist Jean Paul Carrera moved from the Gorgas Institute to Crivb-AIP. He considers these movements a response to the natural growth of Panama’s scientific system. His experience offers a case study.<\/p>\n
In his view, the creation of new research centers and greater diversity of opportunities reflect a stage of institutional expansion. This is not necessarily a negative trend.<\/p>\n
\n“The scientific ecosystem in Panama is entering a stage of growth and transformation. The creation of new research centers, together with greater diversity of opportunities, reflects the natural evolution of a system that is strengthening itself,” he said. [Translated from Spanish]<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Carrera added that talent mobility and institutional diversification are signs of expanding ecosystems. He believes these factors drive improvements in management, collaboration and overall scientific output. The key is managing the transition effectively.<\/p>\n
The debate over whether Panama faces a damaging brain drain<\/a> or a healthy circulation of talent continues. What remains clear is that salary gaps and competition for skilled workers pose real challenges. The country’s investment in science, currently below 0.15 percent of GDP, may need to increase to support its growing ambitions.<\/p>\n