When divulgation helps scientific research: Reflection about a sui generis case

The aim of this paper is to show how the scientific research project "Detection of explosives using Rattus norvegicus rodents, Wistar strain" has been successful in part because a large awareness campaign in mass media, parallel to its development. Divulgation is generally considered a postimplementation phase of research projects, as a form of social validation of them. However, in this sui generis case, divulgation has enabled not only the knowledge of the project around the world but has also provided both funding for its several phases and the generation of academic reports. From this case, it is suggested to funders, as Colciencias, giving higher qualification to divulgation products when evaluating projects or research groups.