Europe woos US researchers fleeing Trump's visa restrictions, funding cuts
What's the story
A recent surge in applications for a multimillion-euro program by the European Union's top research council has revealed a fivefold increase in US-based researchers wanting to move their work to European institutions. The trend comes as the Donald Trump administration creates an increasingly hostile environment for academic research, prompting many scholars to seek opportunities elsewhere.
Strategic shift
European Research Council doubles funding for US researchers
The European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has been at the forefront of efforts to attract US researchers, in response to deep cuts to academic programs by the Trump administration. Europe has marketed itself as a haven for academic freedom and increased funding opportunities for those looking to relocate. The European Research Council recently doubled its additional funding for researchers moving from the US, from €1 million to €2 million.
Application increase
A significant increase in applications from the US
The increased funding has proved extremely popular, with 114 applications from the US in the latest round that closed at the end of August. This is a whopping 400% increase compared to last year's 23 proposals from US-based scientists. However, it's worth noting that the total number of proposals only increased by 31%, from 2,534 to 3,329.
Attraction strategies
European initiatives to attract researchers
In light of US funding cuts and visa curbs, several European countries, regions, universities and research institutes have started programs to attract researchers. "There are now over 70 national and regional initiatives designed to attract researchers," said European Research Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva at a Brussels gathering earlier this month. The trend is being seen as a strategic move by these institutions to capitalize on the current situation.
Positive impact
Austria's 'brain gain'
The Austrian Academy of Sciences recently celebrated what it calls a "brain gain," directly linked to the Trump administration's policies on academic and scientific research. The academy announced 25 researchers who will move from US institutions under a new four-year fellowship scheme launched in June. "They are bringing new ideas, new perspectives, and international networks — this is a great gain for Austrian science," said Heinz Fassmann, president of the academy.