Brain drain or brain circulation? a perspective from Latin American scientists

Though long-standing asymmetries between Global North (GN) and Global South (GS) research systems have shaped the production and circulation of scientific knowledge, a quiet transformation is emerging. Increasing scientific mobility is reframing “brain drain” as brain circulation, highlighting the potential for more reciprocal and equitable exchanges. Scientists from the GS working across borders—the scientific diaspora (SD)—are emerging as key actors in transforming global scientific collaborations. Here, we combine conceptual analysis with survey data from 107 primarily Latin American researchers to examine how structural inequalities and diaspora engagement intersect. Respondents consistently identified interconnected asymmetries, including unequal intellectual recognition, authorship imbalances, and GN dominance in funding and agenda-setting. Publishing systems were also perceived as reinforcing disparities through language barriers and high costs, with women reporting higher levels of structural inequality. Despite these challenges, diaspora scientists are recognized as uniquely positioned to mediate knowledge exchange, expand networks, and foster more equitable collaborations. However, SD transformative potential remains limited by precarious career conditions and weak institutional support. Without structural reform, brain circulation will remain an unrealized promise rather than a pathway toward a more just global scientific system.