Trump's funding cuts push US researchers to Europe, reversing 20th-century trend

India Today

26-04-2025

The US has suspended research funding schemes for researchers in the country following a move by the Trump administration. The action, which targeted DEI programmes, has also impacted researchers.The Trump administration provided its rationale by arguing that researchers at some universities participated in pro-Palestine protests held on campuses such as Harvard and Columbia. It also claimed that the universities were supporting and promoting DEI programmes, which are not aligned with Donald Trump's policies.advertisementThe science offices of the United States have thus far halted or withdrawn no less than six billion dollars in grants and contracts at several of the nation's foremost universities.
This forms part of the Trump administration's effort to reshape matters of admission, instruction, and governance within these places of learning.The administration has charged that Columbia University and Harvard University did not prevent acts of violence and harassment during protests tied to the war in Gaza.Funding was also cut at the University of Pennsylvania, citing the case of a transgender athlete competing in women's sport, which Mr. Trump declared an affront to the dignity and safety of women. Meanwhile, grants at Cornell, Princeton, and Northwestern have been suspended, though no clear cause has been given.With the US cutting funds for researchers, European governments have been planning ways to recruit them. France and Norway recently launched new funding programmes for researchers.advertisementOn April 23, 2025, the Research Council of Norway announced it would provide 100 million kroner (approximately 7.2 million) in funding to more easily recruit researchers from around the world.As per a Guardian report, the Nordic nation's Minister of Research and Higher Education, Sigrun Aasland, stated: "It is vital for Norway to be active in a challenging situation for academic freedom. We can make a difference for excellent researchers and valuable knowledge, and we wish to do this as soon as possible."Many scholars of science have spoken with concern over the funding cuts, warning that such acts may slow the steady work that science has built through many years. They fear that efforts to fight disease and address changes in the climate may fall into delay.It is also thought that the goals set by the Sustainable Development Agenda may suffer setbacks in the years ahead if such measures continue.THE 20TH CENTURY MIGRATION TRENDThe trend of researcher migration we see now is a reversal of what the world witnessed in the early 20th century and in the decades that followed, driven by the European crises caused by World War I and World War II.During World War II, the US welcomed scientists such as Albert Einstein, who had fled Germany after being persecuted as a Jew. Alongside him came Hans Bethe and John von Neumann, among other prominent scientists welcomed by the US.advertisementAlthough the circumstances were different -- the earlier migrations driven by global crisis - the efforts of these scientists played a significant role in America's rise as a scientific and technological power.Their contributions led to major achievements, like the creation of the atomic bomb during the Manhattan Project.Von Neumann's work laid the foundations of modern computer science and artificial intelligence through what became known as von Neumann architecture.
(l to r) Einstein, Bathe and Neumann (Photos: Wikimedia Commons)
At the same time, there were key breakthroughs in theoretical physics, quantum mechanics, and relativity, reshaping the scientific landscape of the 20th century.AN OPPORTUNITY FOR EUROPEAN COUNTRIESA coalition of European governments has also addressed this. In April 2025, in a letter to European Commissioner for Innovation Ekaterina Zaharieva, the governments of France, the Czech Republic, Austria, Slovakia, Estonia, Latvia, Spain, Slovenia, Germany, Greece, Bulgaria, and Romania highlighted the opportunity to offer displaced academics a favourable environment.advertisementThe letter, reported by Politico, called for an "attractivity boom." Although the letter did not mention the US directly, it clearly aimed to take advantage of the movement of researchers and focused on creating new opportunities for them.It warned that 'freedom of science can be put at risk anywhere and at any time' and urged the European Commission to act swiftly.French Research Minister Philippe Baptiste assured that France is ready to assist researchers impacted by funding reductions in the United States.In an interview with Politico, he stated: "It is urgent to organise ourselves to welcome talents who would like or need to leave the United States."Almost 300 scholars have already signed up for a programme instituted by a French university to support US-based researchers experiencing difficulties amid the American government's crackdown on academic institutions.One former French president has even called for establishing a "scientific refugee" status to safeguard scholars under threat.Earlier this year, Aix-Marseille University in France became one of the first European universities to respond. With its programme "Safe Place for Science," the university is providing about 20 researchers with three years of funding to continue their work safely.advertisementLast week, the university reported that it had received 298 applications in just one month. Of these, 242 candidates were found eligible.Applicants hailed from top institutions such as Johns Hopkins University, NASA, Columbia, Yale, and Stanford, according to the university's statement.FUNDING CUTS IN US UNIVERSITIESSince January, Trump has sharply reduced funding for research and education. The US Department of Education is slashing nearly half its workforce, while universities such as Johns Hopkins have cut jobs due to lost federal grants.Columbia University faced a major blow when $400 million in grants were terminated on March 7 over alleged "antisemitic harassment." This included $250 million worth of grants from the NIH.The crackdown also led to Indian PhD student Ranjani Srinivasan self-deporting after her visa was revoked due to alleged involvement in pro-Palestine protests.The University of Pennsylvania was also affected, facing a $175 million cut over its policies allowing transgender women to compete in women's sports. This followed Trump's February executive order reversing NCAA regulations. UPenn, however, stated that it has not received formal notice.These sweeping funding cuts have triggered hiring freezes, budget reductions, and a decrease in PhD admissions, raising serious concerns about the future of US scientific innovation.advertisementThe upheaval triggered by the US cuts in expenditure has created fresh opportunities in Europe, where states are vying to win the displaced scientists over.While in the 20th century America's rise to a scientific superpower was heralded by scientists' exodus, the transition now holds a potential reshuffle of the worldwide research map.Must Watch