Mexican scientific brain drain: causes and impact

Despite programmes to accelerate training in science in Mexico since the 1970s, the indigenous science base is thin. Mexican PhD graduates were counted in North American universities and their disciplines identified. The number of doctorate recipients currently recognised by the Mexican government as national researchers was counted. The results imply that the Mexican government's efforts to strengthen scientific research are unfocussed, being based on the erratic selection of institutions and disciplines of study. Brain drain is assumed, which may be associated with the lack of ability of Mexican institutions to absorb and use fully trained people.