After Trump freezes the United States, Europe steps up to attract scientists. Research Funding. AI-Generated.
After Trump freezes the United States, Europe steps up to attract scientists. Research Funding
Brussels, May 2025 — In the wake of former President Donald Trump's controversial decision to freeze federal funding for a range of scientific research initiatives during his return to office, Europe has seized the moment to position itself as a new global hub for innovation. In an effort to entice top-tier researchers who may be increasingly unwelcome or unsupported in the United States, the European Union and several individual member states are implementing aggressive initiatives. An Important Chance In March 2025, President Trump announced a funding freeze that halted the distribution of billions of dollars' worth of grants from key agencies like the Department of Energy, the National Science Foundation, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The move has shaken the research community in the United States, and many scientists are deeply concerned about the long-term damage to America's position as the world leader in science and technology. Sensing a strategic opportunity, Europe has launched what some are calling a "talent rescue operation." An additional €5 billion has been added to the European Commission's Horizon Europe research program to help relocated researchers and foster transatlantic scientific collaboration. Mariya Gabriel, the European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education, and Youth, stated, "Science thrives on stability and openness." “We want the world’s brightest minds to know that Europe is open to ideas and open to talent.”
