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- ll - RESULTS OF THE EXPERIMENT: GENERAL OBSERVATIONS In the introduction to this report, the broad objec- tives of the program were listed: a) the development of Brazilian research capability in certain fields of chem- istry; and b) the stimulation of long-term cooperative research collaboration in chemistry between Brazilian and American scientists. The principal mechanism to achieve these objectives was the involvement of young U.S. scien- tists in scientific work in Brazil. An assessment of whether or not the program achieved its main objectives produces an answer that is "yes." but with qualifications. This section gives some of the im- pressions and observations of the assessment team, and notes a number of the lessons that have emerged from the experience of the program In reviewing the history of the program, one is struck by the spirit of collaboration and friendship that has prevailed among the institutions and individuals in the two countries concerned. Despite the boldness of the concept and the complexity of its realization, the pro- gram was established rather quickly and proceeded without major catastrophes or disagreements on basic principles. For the Brazilian and American participants, the program has been a highly positive experience in international cooperation. Brazilian research capability was, in fact, developed in most of the target fields of chemistry. Most of the projects have continued since the formal end of the pro- gram, and some of the projects are being led by chemists who were graduate students in the Brazil Chemistry Pro- gram. The majority of the graduate students who received Ph.D.s have taken university positions; thus their re- search and teaching will multiply the effect of the original program. Inherent in the process of introducing new fields of chemistry research in Brazil, was the introduction of new
- l2 - methods of teaching, learning, and addressing scientific problems. Moreover, the exposure to U.S. panelists and visiting lecturers added a valuable international dimen- sion to the educational experience of Brazilian graduate students and the professional experience of Brazilian faculty, while also providing useful new contacts and insights to the visitors. In a more tangible vein , most Brazilian participants agree that the program served a valuable purpose in stimu- lating greater exchange and cooperation among faculty members in the host chemistry departments, including faculty who were not directly involved with the program. This was partly because of the interest created by new lines of research work, partly because of the background and training of MAS Fellows, and partly because of the possibilities for sharing new equipment or learning new techniques. A further practical benefit was that the bilateral nature of the program and the involvement of both distinguished Brazilian and American scientists created a heightened awareness of the needs of chemistry in Brazil and provided a credibility that was useful in generating new levels and sources of research support within Brazil. Although large numbers were not involved, the pro- gram mechanism enabled a group of able young American chemists to become deeply involved in Brazil's scientific work. While the professional experience of the MAS Fel- lows in Brazil varied considerably, in retrospect they are nearly unanimous in their affirmation of the personal satisfaction and benefit they received from the program. Three of the Fellows stayed in Brazil in university posi- tions after their service in the program was completed. Certain aspects of the program, however, developed in unexpected directions or represented difficulties that were never satisfactorily resolved. The following para- graphs outline some of the major concerns and problems. As a general concern, Brazilian chemists feel that the support for chemistry in Brazil has declined some- what in the last three years, largely as a result of national economic perturbations resulting from increases in the price of imported oil and accompanying inflation.
- l3 - A number of good technicians in chemistry departments have been lost because university pay is not keeping pace with that in other sectors; as a result, maintenance and repair problems have mounted for equipment and instruments. A further consequence of declining support for Bra- zilian chemistry has been difficulty in supporting on- going exchange between Brazilian and U.S. scientists; the second major objective of the chemistry program, therefore, has not been adequately met. Although chemists on both sides have expressed regret that this has been the case, and have reaffirmed their positive desire to be part of efforts at continuing cooperation, little financial support for this purpose has been forthcoming from either country. Some of the Brazilian participants feel that the joint program was terminated too abruptly. Special fund- ing, special logistical and equipment support, and access to distinguished foreign scientists ended suddenly, crea- ting certain disruptions in the ongoing projects. A more gradual phaseout might have been helpful. A few Brazilian participants have also expressed the view that the special conditions of the program may have created an unrealistic environment for the graduate students. They fear that the students may not be well equipped to cope with the realities of shortages of funds, lack of up-to-date equipment, or difficulties in obtaining spare parts or chemicals that face many chemists in local laboratories. As might be expected in a complex program with various sponsors and participating institutions, a variety of operational and administrative problems arose from time to time. On another level, clear mutual understanding was sometimes lacking concerning the roles of different participants. For example, was the senior U.S. professor primarily a working colleague of his Brazilian counter- part, a research consultant, a recruiter and counselor of Fellows, or a visiting lecturer? Was the overseas Fellow primarily a postdoctoral Fellow, an independent research investigator, or a full faculty member in the Brazilian university? The role of the Brazilian and U.S. staff coordinators in seeking resolution of such matters was indispensable.
A specific problem related to special conditions of the program was the import of chemicals and spare parts needed in the research projects. Brazil's import regu- lations made it very complicated, time-consuming and fre- quently impossible to obtain certain items which were unavailable in Brazil but essential for the research. A special administrative and logistical mechanism finally was devised that enabled MAS staff members to order needed supplies and send them to Brazil with minimum delay. This mechanism was used only for the Brazil Chem- istry Program, however, and everyone concerned acknowledged that a permanent solution was required for the broader problem of availability and import of essential scienti- fic supplies. Unfortunately, the problem still exists and the Brazilian chemists who were active in the program feel that their present work has been hindered by the delays encountered since the special import mechanism of the program came to an end. A number of the original planners and organizers of the Brazil Chemistry Program hoped that its impact on the chemical industry might be considerable. The impact seems to have been slight,however. One basic reason is that the relatively little R £ D done by local companies tends to be fairly unsophisticated, while the large multina* tional companies with Brazilian operations do most of their research abroad. Furthermore, job opportunities in the Brazilian chemical industry are not very attractive for chemists with advanced degrees. The companies primarily hire B.Sc. chemists, most of whom eventually gravitate towards operations or administration.
