Peripheral countries are at a disadvantage with respect to the construction
of scientific knowledge, which is mostly carried out by a small number of
traditional core loci countries. However, in a few cases, groups of scienti
sts are able to break through exclusion barriers. Sometimes they tackle rel
evant issues, share values and procedures with core loci representatives, a
nd take part in heated controversies: in short, they participate in the con
struction of legitimate science. These scientists form 'centres of excellen
ce' in scientifically marginal countries. In this paper, contextual conditi
ons involving the emergence, establishment and decline of such enterprises
are discussed, on the basis of examples drawn from the history of Chagas di
sease (Cd). In this history, we see a major discovery established, deconstr
ucted and re-established. Quantitative analyses of publications on Cd over
70 years show the relation between the choice of different types of journal
s and methodological approaches, and the legitimation strategies adopted by
different groups of practitioners. It also shows the outcomes of such stra
tegies in terms of production concentration, emergence of new authors and g
rowth of institutional work. This story shows that it is important for the
pioneers to establish a different intellectual culture in their local envir
onment. Unless they do so, and gain its acceptance among their immediate co
lleagues, the enterprise cannot preserve its status as a centre of excellen
ce.