Give us your brilliant, your de-funded, your academics yearning to work
27 March 2025
The walls are closing in on academic freedom in the US: grants are being frozen, government funding is being slashed, and some universities are already censoring any mention of the climate crisis or "gender ideology" at the government's request. Donald Trump's second term is proving drastically hostile to science, research, and education.
The implications of this "assault on science" are felt worldwide as the US ceases funding for overseas projects and withdraws from international collaborations (like the World Health Organisation). In Europe, universities are currently receiving demands from US authorities for information about US-funded research projects, including whether they work with parties with "anti-American beliefs".
As thousands of US researchers lose their jobs and the rest fear further cuts, some are packing their bags and looking elsewhere. Europe is turning to meet them: 13 EU governments suggest a plan to attract researchers to the EU as their positions in the US are at risk, including dedicated funding and relocation frameworks.
Several European institutions, like the French Aix-Marseille University, have announced programs prioritising the intake of American researchers "in the name of a Europe of knowledge".
 | Toyah Höher Behind the incomprehensible swarm of executive orders and policy changes by the US government lies an opportunity for Europe to attract world-renowned talent. The US does 28% of the world's scientific research and development spending – and strong European resistance to censorship and politicisation is a good sign for academic freedom. However, with countries like the UK and the Netherlands slashing education budgets, Europe's commitment to intellectual integrity is hardly untarnished. Not to mention that the inherently global nature of science and research means US cuts will set the entire field back. It's unclear how much will stick – US judges have already blocked some measures by the Trump administration. Yet it's safe to say that European scientists are likely to be welcoming some new colleagues. |
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