Yesterday, March 12, Chilean Foreign Affairs Minister Alejandro Foxley was replaced by President Bachelet. It appears he was interested in leaving the post to take up other responsibilities and there was also some discomfort in the government with his outspoken criticism of authorities in neighboring countries.
Regardless of the reasons, Mr. Foxley had become quite an important actor for the scientific community. He was one of the main forces supporting the new policy of handing out thousands of fellowships for young people that are leaving the country to pursue studies or training abroad. While this policy is in its early stages, the impact has been strongly felt by Chilean scientists and universities. Concern by political authorities about Chilean scientific development is always welcomed but there was also criticism in that the plan was not well thought out and that there could be a “brain-drain” effect.
Mr. Foxley himself is particularly proud of one achievement during his tenure and that had to do with implementing a new kind of fellowship in partnership with the Fulbright Commission for educational exchange between Chile and the United States. He stimulated the creation of an equal opportunity fellowship aimed at recruiting graduates from public schools that had not had any training in English language, opening the door for disadvantaged students to pursue doctoral studies in the U.S. I have been involved with this scheme because I belong to the Fulbright Board of Directors and I can attest to Mr. Foxley’s commitment and interest in this program. I can also say that it has gone remarkably well and that it has made a significant difference in the lives of many aspiring scientists.
While the effects of his efforts must await the test of time, it has been refreshing to have a politician take interest in issues that will most likely produce benefits long after his tenure in government.