Leading research university to drastically cut spending amid Covid-19 crisis

Unicamp

The University of Campinas (Unicamp) announced a contingency plan to deal with the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. The decision came after Dean Marcelo Knobel indicated the university’s budget might be reduced by up to BRL 220 million (USD 40.1 million) in 2020. The austerity plan proposes an 80-percent cut in staff hiring, as well as the freezing of salary adjustments and promotions.

As a state university, a major part of Unicamp’s budget comes from São Paulo’s tax revenue. However, with states experiencing an up to 40-percent revenue drop due to the economic impact of the pandemic. The amount that reaches public institutions will also dramatically decrease as a result.

Unicamp is one of the three public universities in São Paulo offering medical treatment to those infected with the novel coronavirus while also conducting research on the disease. The university requisitioned nearly 60 percent of its 52 intensive care units for Covid-19 patients. It was also one of the first institutions in the country to receive authorization to conduct coronavirus tests. On the research front, Unicamp has not only engaged in seeking medical solutions to the pandemic, but is also attempting to map its social impact.

The contingency plan still needs to be voted by the University Council.