After Trump freezes the United States, Europe steps up to attract scientists. Research Funding

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.”

National efforts pick up speed. National governments are acting quickly beyond the EU level. The "Make Our Planet Great Again" initiative that France started in response to Trump's 2017 withdrawal from the Paris Agreement has been revived. The Netherlands and Sweden are providing generous tax breaks and lab space to incoming research teams, while Germany has established fast-track residency programs and research grant programs for international scientists. Institutes such as the Max Planck Society, CNRS (France’s National Centre for Scientific Research), and CERN are reporting a spike in applications from U.S.-based researchers, particularly in climate science, biomedical research, and artificial intelligence.

Brain Drain or Brain Gain?

The long-term effects of what many people call a self-inflicted "brain drain" are currently the focus of concern for the United States. Universities and research centers in the United States warn that it could take years to reverse the talent flow. “Science is global, but leadership in science is earned through consistent support,” said Dr. Elise Chang is a molecular biologist who recently accepted a position at a Danish research institute after previously working at the University of California. “The uncertainty in the U.S. is driving people away.”

Meanwhile, European officials emphasize that their aim is not to poach talent, but to ensure that global research continues unimpeded. Commissioner Gabriel clarified, "This isn't about politics." "It's about keeping the momentum of discovery going at a time when the world is facing complex challenges like pandemics and climate change." A Brand-New Scientific Regime? This shift could mark the beginning of a more multipolar scientific world, where leadership is no longer dominated by one country or region. The United States may find itself on the sidelines unless policy priorities shift, as Europe reaffirms its commitment to open science and China continues to invest heavily in R&D. For now, Europe is making its message clear: science is welcome — and scientists are, too.

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After Trump freezes the United States, Europe steps up to attract scientists. Research Funding

After Trump freezes the United States, Europe steps up to attract scientists. Research Funding