From Buenos Aires Herald · Buenos Aires Herald · · 1m 40s
INTA scientist Virginia Aparicio dismissed over research irregularities
Argentina’s National Institute of Agricultural Technology fired Virginia Aparicio for pesticide research findings, sparking accusations of persecution.
In brief
Argentina’s National Institute of Agricultural Technology fired Virginia Aparicio for pesticide research findings, sparking accusations of persecution. Argentina’s National Institute of Agricultural Technology dismissed Virginia Aparicio for alleged irregularities in pesticide research, with colleagues claiming it was…
Dismissal of Virginia Aparicio
Scientist Virginia Aparicio was dismissed in late October from Argentina’s National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA) over alleged irregularities in her research into agrochemical effects.
Alleged research irregularities
INTA blocked a scheduled public presentation of her 2023 research findings revealing widespread pesticide exposure among argentine participants.
Project SPRINT details
The SPRINT project, funded by the european union and coordinated by wageningen university & research, aimed to assess pesticide impacts on human health and the environment.
Research findings
Aparicio and researchers detected glyphosate in nearly 90% of human blood samples and chlorpyrifos in 37.7% of samples in 2023.
INTA's disciplinary actions
INTA suspended the public presentation of findings in june 2023, removed Aparicio from the project, and launched disciplinary proceedings in december 2023.
Dismissal consequences
Aparicio received the harshest disciplinary sanction, permanently removing her from inta and barring public-sector employment for five years.
INTA's justification
INTA accused Aparicio of violating laws prohibiting the use of official authority for purposes unrelated to her duties and improper use of state resources.
Scientific community response
Professional associations and trade unions criticized INTA’s actions as government persecution and censorship aimed at preventing research findings from becoming public.
Aparicio's defense
Aparicio and her lawyer argued the dismissal violated public rights to environmental information and public health data under the Escazú Agreement.
The essence
Argentina’s National Institute of Agricultural Technology dismissed Virginia Aparicio for alleged irregularities in pesticide research, with colleagues claiming it was retaliation for findings showing widespread pesticide exposure.
