Global Initiatives Attract US Scientists Amid Trump Administration's Research Cuts

As the Trump administration continues to undermine US science, deepening budget cuts, and dismantling science agencies, countries around the world are intensifying their efforts to attract American research talent. This trend has sparked initiatives in Europe, Canada, Australia, and China, many of which are backed by substantial funding, aiming to provide a supportive and stable scientific environment for displaced researchers. The European Research Council (ERC), a leading research funder in Europe, has doubled its 'start-up' funding to up to €2 million (US$2.2 million) to assist scientists moving to Europe. This brings the total potential grant amount to €4.5 million over five years, making it highly competitive with US research awards. According to Maria Leptin, ERC president, this increase is designed to create a haven for researchers during a time when the US scientific landscape is under threat. "This is not about poaching; it's about helping the global research community," Leptin emphasizes. Complementing the ERC's efforts, the European Commission has launched the Choose Europe for Science program, backed by €500 million. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that this program aims to strengthen Europe's role as a magnet for researchers, especially in critical times when the importance of science is being questioned. Individual European countries and institutions have also rolled out targeted initiatives. Spain's ATRAE program, which supports international researchers, is now focusing on US-based scientists and offering an additional €200,000 in funding. The Dutch Research Council has launched a fund to attract international scientists, while Norway's scheme aims to bring in experts in climate, health, energy, and AI. Denmark's proposed fast-track program seeks to bring up to 200 US researchers in cutting-edge fields like quantum technology and robotics to Danish institutions over the next three years. In France, multiple programs are emerging. Paris-Saclay University is offering PhD contracts, funded visits, and tenure-track positions to US researchers. The Paris Observatory is organizing a special program to support US scientists who have lost their jobs. Aix-en-Provence University has established the Safe Place for Science program, targeting researchers in climate, the environment, and health, and is currently evaluating its first round of applications. The Joint European Disruptive Initiative has launched the Transatlantic Science Fellows scheme, specifically aimed at attracting ten managers from the Americas for high-risk, high-reward research projects. Similarly, Canada is stepping up with initiatives like the University of Toronto Hospital Network's Canada Leads program, which seeks to recruit 100 early-career scientists in fields like virology and regenerative medicine. This program, announced on April 7, has already garnered 300 expressions of interest. The University of Montreal in Canada has launched a $25 million (US$18 million) fundraising drive to recruit leading and early-career researchers, particularly those facing pressure in the US. Nearly half of the funding goal has already been met. Australia’s Australian Academy of Science has initiated a Global Talent Attraction Program to recruit US researchers working in areas of national need. While specific funding details are still being finalized, the program has seen strong interest from both US-based and returning Australian researchers. China has also shown interest in attracting US scientists, particularly those from technology hubs like Shenzhen. An ad circulated on X in February invited "global talents" to Shenzhen, with a special emphasis on those dismissed by US institutions. However, Chinese institutions did not respond to Nature's inquiries about their recruitment efforts. These international initiatives are not without controversy. Some scientists, like Jan Löwe, director of the Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge, UK, argue against actively poaching talent, suggesting it may exacerbate the problems faced by the US scientific community. Despite these concerns, many institutions report a surge in unsolicited job applications from US researchers. The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL) and the University of Sydney in Australia are among those seeing increased interest. The Max Planck Society in Germany has pledged €12 million to establish collaborative research centers with leading US institutions and will offer additional postdoc positions to US researchers. The society is also working with US foundations to extend funding, highlighting a growing trend towards international collaboration and support. Industry insiders view these initiatives as a strategic response to the unstable US research environment. They see the potential for these programs to not only provide immediate relief to threatened scientists but also to enrich the global research community with diverse perspectives and expertise. These efforts underscore the importance of international cooperation in advancing science and highlight the commitment of various nations to fostering a robust and inclusive research ecosystem.