Federal funding disappeared in 2021
According to the program’s coordinator, Yuri Peña Ramírez, the workshop lost its main source of financing when the former Conacyt eliminated funds for scientific‑vocation projects in 2021. Since then, the organizers have struggled every year to secure enough money to keep the workshop running.
Temporary state support ran out
After federal funding vanished, the workshop survived for a time thanks to resources from the State Science Council and the Pablo García Foundation. However, those funds were eventually exhausted, and in the most recent call for support, the project was not selected, leaving it without any public financing.
Participants had to pay last year, reducing attendance
Because no government funds were available, organizers were forced to charge participants in the previous edition. This caused attendance to drop from 40 selected students to only 20, as many families could not afford the costs.
Low‑income students were especially affected
Peña Ramírez explained that several young participants had to borrow money or rely on family assistance to cover:
- lodging
- meals
- transportation
- psychological support
- materials
These expenses were particularly high because the workshop takes place during peak tourist season, when prices rise.
Researchers do not charge — the costs are purely logistical
The coordinator clarified that neither Ecosur nor its researchers receives payment for teaching the workshop. All funds are used exclusively for operational logistics needed to host the students.
With no federal or state support, the program was suspended.
The lack of any guaranteed funding forced the organizers to cancel the 2026 edition, leaving many low‑income students without access to a program designed to encourage scientific development and academic growth.
Source: Diario Independiente Tribuna
