Summary.
The bill defines the National Research System (Sistema Nacional de Investigación, SNI) as a public program intended to recognize and encourage quality in scientific research, technological development, innovation and contributions to public policy. It provides for financial incentives and distinctions for individuals and legal entities, awarded through competitive and transparent evaluations that consider the quality, output, relevance, significance and impact of their work. The SNI would operate through a public interest association established under Law 39 of 2018. Its director would be selected by competition through a national and international call, and the National Secretariat for Science, Technology and Innovation (Secretaría Nacional de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación, SENACYT) would be a permanent member of the association.
The SNI’s objectives include increasing and recognizing the number and quality of researchers, research groups and research centers; encouraging their continued activity; applying transparent evaluation criteria; and strengthening public and private research centers. The bill also seeks to connect research with productive activities and evidence based public policy, provide instruments for scientific output, and periodically assess research results and impact. Members’ conduct would be governed by a Code of Ethics (Código de Ética) approved by the association’s general assembly. It would specify ethical violations, their severity, sanctions, the competent authority and a two stage procedure that guarantees the right to a defense.
The SNI would have three classes of members: researchers, research groups and research centers. The association’s board would define their categories and the criteria for admission, continued membership, promotion and demotion by resolution. Eligible individual researchers would be Panamanian nationals or foreign nationals established in Panama and affiliated with public or private entities conducting research, technological development or innovation from within the country. Public or private legal entities engaged in these activities could join as groups or centers, including those affiliated with universities, research institutions, businesses and public interest associations, provided they meet the applicable requirements and evaluation criteria.
The association would issue public calls for applications for admission, readmission and continued membership. External committees would assess applications through peer review to determine admission, continued membership and category changes. Criteria would include quality scientific and technological output, advances in knowledge, contributions to national development and the solution of national problems, and the training of specialized personnel. The board would regulate the call process, publication of results, communication of assessments and feedback to applicants by resolution.
Financial incentives would depend on meeting the evaluation criteria. The board would set their amount and frequency subject to available funds. Individual researchers would receive them personally; incentives for groups and centers would go to their affiliated institution for exclusive use by the group or center in research, technological development or innovation. The board could also grant distinctions and public recognition for outstanding careers and contributions to the country’s development.
SENACYT would provide resources to the association based on its performance and coordinate its work with other programs and participants in Panama’s science system. The association could also receive member contributions, donations, self generated revenue and other assets. In cases of urgency, national emergency or national public interest, SNI members would have to provide scientific advice to SENACYT upon request. The administrative organization established by Law 56 of 2007 would continue during the transition to the association, to be completed within six months after the new law takes effect; staff of the Technical Secretariat (Secretaria Técnica) would transfer to the association. The bill supersedes Law 56 of December 14, 2007 and provides for the new law to take effect upon promulgation. Its provisions concern SENACYT, higher education institutions, research centers, businesses and other public and private participants in science and innovation.
What it proposes.
- Organization and objectives of the SNI.
- Admission and evaluation of researchers, groups and centers.
- Incentives, recognition and association funding.
- Scientific advice and institutional transition.
Who it would affect.
- Panamanian or foreign researchers established in Panama.
- Public or private research groups and centers.
- Institutions with which research groups and centers are affiliated.
- The public interest association and SENACYT.
Key points.
- The SNI would operate through a public interest association whose director would be selected through a national and international competition.Art. 1
- A Code of Ethics would set out violations, sanctions, the competent authority and a two stage procedure guaranteeing the right to a defense.Art. 3
- The board would define categories and criteria for the admission, continued membership, promotion and demotion of researchers, groups and centers.Arts. 4-6
- Applications would be submitted through public calls and assessed by external committees using peer review.Arts. 7-10
- The board would set the amount and frequency of financial incentives according to available funds.Art. 11
- SENACYT would provide resources to the association, which could also obtain funding from the sources listed in the bill.Arts. 14-15
- SNI members would have to provide scientific advice to SENACYT when requested on grounds of urgency, national emergency or national public interest.Art. 16
- The existing administrative organization would continue during the transition to the association; the bill supersedes Law 56 of December 14, 2007.Arts. 17-18