The non-traditional challenges of conducting science in developing countries: the case of Ecuador

Scientific progress has been predominantly driven by countries in the Global North, which benefit from robust infrastructure, greater funding, and supportive research policies. In contrast, countries in the Global South continue to face substantial barriers. In many parts of Latin America, including Ecuador, an underdeveloped research policy framework, limited funding, and growing but still insufficient infrastructure has constrained scientific activity. More recently, frequent power outages have disrupted day-to-day scientific operations, affecting laboratory work, sample collection, and storage conditions. These challenges are further exacerbated by rising security concerns, which have severely impacted several countries by hindering fieldwork, compromising researcher safety, and disrupting daily life. Additionally, the high cost of essential research tools often places them out of reach for many scientists. These non-traditional challenges are rarely addressed in scientific literature. Through this piece, we aim to highlight and position these overlooked issues as critical components of the global conversation on equitable scientific development.