These decisions, along with concerns about future funding cuts, led to the departure of researchers from the US, and scientists are now looking to continue their careers abroad. an Analysis published in Nature It has been found that 75% of the American scientists surveyed are considering leaving the country. meanwhile, Data from natural carriersThe global scientific employment platform reveals that between January and March of this year, American experts sent 32% more applications to foreign institutions compared to the same period in 2024. Additionally, the number of US users exploring international opportunities has increased by 35%.
At the same time, international interest in working in the US has declined significantly. Applications from scientists from Canada, China and Europe to US research centers in the first quarter of this year It’s fallen 13%, 39%, and 41%, respectively.
Against this background, European institutions have strengthened their efforts to attract our talent. Aix-Marseille University in France has recently been released A safe place for sciencea program aimed at hosting US researchers who have been rejected, censored or restricted by Trump’s policies. The project is supported by an investment of approximately 15 million euros.
In line with the same policy, the German Max Planck Association Max Planck Transatlantic Programits purpose is to establish a collaborative research center with US institutions. “The outstanding investigators who must leave the United States will consider their position as director,” said Patrick Cramer, director of the association, in a speech discussing the program.
Spain seeks a leading role
Juan Cruz Sigdoza, Spanish Secretary of Science, Innovation and University Secretary of State, emphasizes that Spain is also actively involved in attracting global scientific talent, prioritizing areas such as quantum biotechnology, artificial intelligence, advanced materials and semiconductors, as well as strengthening the country’s technological accumulation.
To achieve this, the government of Pedro Sanchez has strengthened its existing programmes. The Atrae program aims to tempt established researchers to lead their jobs to Spain, but is strengthened at 45 million euros to recruit scientists who are the leaders in the strategic field, with a special focus on US experts who feel “look down.” The program provides additional funding of 200,000 euros per project to those selected from the US.
Similarly, the Ramon Y Kahar program, created 25 years ago to promote the careers of young scientists, has increased funding by 150% since 2018, allowing 500 researchers to receive annual funding.
“We will strengthen our efforts to attract talent from the United States. We want to be the best science that could have been freed from the limitations of ideological science. Knowledge of science and technology creates a vision of prosperity and future that shares prosperity.
This story originally appeared Wired enspañol Translated from Spanish.
