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Local Norway
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Local Norway
How Oslo wants to attract US talent fleeing Trump
Recent moves by the Trump administration have sparked alarm among US higher education leaders. Over 500 university presidents signed a statement by the American Association of Colleges and Universities condemning "unprecedented government overreach" into academic affairs. Budget slashes, ideological pressure, and uncertainty are driving researchers abroad, and Nordic countries are responding quickly. READ MORE: Nordics hope to attract US researchers alienated by Trump Norway's international researcher recruitment efforts The Norwegian government has made it clear that it wants to attract top international researchers to Norway. In late April, the country's Research Council announced a new scheme to make recruiting experienced researchers from other countries easier. "We are now giving our leading research environments the opportunity to connect with established researchers from abroad. It is important for Norway to be proactive in a demanding situation for academic freedom," Minister of Research and Higher Education Sigrun Aasland said at the time. "We can make a difference for outstanding researchers and important knowledge, and we want to do that as quickly as possible." Aasland's remarks reflect wider Nordic efforts to position themselves as havens of academic freedom. "Academic freedom is under pressure in the US, and it is an unpredictable position for many researchers in what has been the world's leading knowledge nation for many decades," she said. "We have had close dialogue with the Norwegian knowledge communities and my Nordic colleagues about developments. "It has been important for me to find good measures that we can put in place quickly, and therefore I have tasked the Research Council with prioritising schemes that we can implement within a short time," she added. The program will be open to researchers from all over the world, and is not limited to American researchers or researchers at American universities. It will initially be worth 100 million kroner in 2026. "The call for proposals will come in May, and will initially be linked to the Research Council's centre schemes, including for excellent research and innovation in climate, health, energy and artificial intelligence," head of the Research Council, Mari Sundli Tveit, said. Advertisement Oslo's targeted pitch to global talent At the city level, Oslo is also acting with intent. "Talent attraction and retention is core to the work we do at Oslo Business Region," Siw Andersen, CEO of Oslo Business Region , the official business development agency of Oslo Municipality, told The Local Norway. With political shifts abroad creating instability, Oslo is leveraging the moment to attract top professionals. Andresen said that under its "Onboarding Oslo" initiative, the city introduces international workers and their families to Norwegian life through cultural events, networking, and practical support. "Over 250 participants attended events under the project," she noted, adding that "thirty spouses and partners of talent gained professional networks, with 61% securing employment" through their "Spouse Program." This inclusive approach extends to marketing. The " Work in Oslo " campaign – targeted at professionals in cities like London, Paris, and Berlin – reached over 1.1 million potential candidates. Another campaign is scheduled for later this year. READ ALSO: The international school options for parents in Oslo Advertisement Why Oslo thinks it's the right fit for US talent Oslo's pitch is based not just on academic freedom but on values. "Oslo offers purpose-driven careers, global collaboration, and a lifestyle rooted in balance and nature," Andersen said. The city's openness is central to this message: "One in three inhabitants in Oslo has an immigrant background… English is widely used in the workplace, especially in research and tech," she added. "With a vibrant startup scene, generous parental leave, and strong support for families – including spouse career programs and cultural onboarding – Oslo helps international talent thrive. It is also a young city, with 88.000 students." Oslo's appeal lies in its alignment with what many disillusioned US professionals are now seeking: stability, freedom, and a sense of mission. "Professionals seeking meaning, mobility, and quality of life will find Oslo a compelling choice," Andersen said. Advertisement High stakes for research The exodus of US researchers has implications far beyond American borders. Karin Forsberg Nilsson, dean of the faculty of medicine at Uppsala University in Sweden, warned of ripple effects. "If our partners at laboratories and hospitals in the United States cannot conduct their research in the usual way… this will of course also affect the research we conduct here," she told the AFP. That's why Nordic universities like Uppsala are already actively advertising jobs to US researchers, particularly younger talent who may find the region's family support systems and work-life balance especially appealing. At the same time, cities like Oslo are seizing a rare opportunity to recruit top minds. "We rely on international expertise to develop, scale, and export the solutions the world urgently needs. As global competition intensifies, attracting skilled professionals is essential for Oslo's future success. Oslo's entire R&D-based innovation ecosystem stands to gain. International professionals help drive sustainable solutions, strengthen competitiveness, and support growth in startups and scaleups," Andersen told The Local. The Oslo Business Region recently published an overview of career opportunties for internationals at universities and research institutions, which can be found here .
Japan Times
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Japan Times
Nordics hope to attract U.S. researchers alienated by Trump
With U.S. universities facing challenges to their independence and funding, Nordic countries hope their emphasis on academic freedom and strong welfare societies can lure researchers seeking to leave the United States. "To researchers in the United States: welcome," Sweden's Education Minister Johan Pehrson said, reaching out to academics affected by a wave of measures under U.S. President Donald Trump. "We can offer trust and long-term investments. We've got academic freedom. If you are looking for a place to do your work and contribute to solving global challenges, we value your knowledge," the minister said in a written statement. "Our aim is to make it easier for talented individuals to come to Sweden," he added. In late April, the American Association of Colleges and Universities published a statement condemning an "unprecedented government overreach and political interference now endangering American higher education," which as of April 28 had gathered more than 500 signatures from leaders in the sector. "It's a huge attack and most probably this will just increase," Lars Strannegard, president of the Stockholm School of Economics, said. "It's a battle actually, and probably the sort of real battle regarding how the U.S. will develop as a country. A battlefield that will be at the universities," he added. U.S. research cuts Experts have voiced concerns that Trump's cuts to American research threaten the United States' standing as a global science leader, and that a loss of research and data could lead to a lack of fact-based information and growing disinformation. An analysis of application data by science journal Nature in April found that the number of U.S. scientists applying for jobs abroad between January and March had increased by 32%, compared with the same period a year earlier. Countries across Europe are now vying to recruit academics seeking to leave the United States. French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are due to take part in a conference in Paris next week aimed at getting foreign researchers, especially Americans, to "Choose Europe," the French presidency announced Wednesday. Nordic countries have already begun taking such steps. The Research Council of Norway announced last week a 100 million kroner (about $10 million) program to attract top international researchers. "Academic freedom is under pressure in the United States, and it is an unpredictable situation for many researchers in what has been the world's leading research nation for many decades," Norway's higher education minister Sigrun Aasland said in a statement. Similarly, the Swedish Research Council in mid-April announced a grant to help universities recruit international researchers, paying out 2 million kronor ($207,000) to cover recruitment costs and salaries. The Danish Chamber of Commerce, along with a labor union, the Danish Society of Engineers, last week called on Danish politicians to raise awareness about Denmark among U.S. researchers. Younger talent "We must do everything we can to ensure that Denmark, Danish science institutions and Danish companies are an attractive alternative," Brian Mikkelsen, CEO of the Danish Chamber of Commerce, said in a statement. Karin Forsberg Nilsson, dean of the faculty of medicine at Uppsala University in Sweden, said that given the collaborative nature of science, cuts to funding in the United States will have knock-on effects in Europe. "If our partners at laboratories and hospitals in the United States cannot conduct their research in the usual way because their funding is stopped or their employees are laid off, this will of course also affect the research we conduct here," Forsberg Nilsson said. "It also has a major impact on large shared databases and datasets," she added. Always on the lookout for talented researchers, she said her department has already begun being "proactive in advertising job vacancies" to U.S. researchers. Forsberg Nilsson said the school believes it could be easier to attract younger researchers who are less settled and might find Sweden's extensive child care support and parental leave appealing for those planning to start families. Anders Hagfeldt, vice chancellor of Uppsala University, said he also thought that finding creative ways to attract researchers would be key. "We don't have the same salaries as the best researchers in the United States, so we find it difficult to compete there," Hagfeldt said. "But researchers usually try to think about doing exciting research in an exciting environment. I think we can offer that," he said.
Malay Mail
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Nordics hope to attract US researchers alienated by Trump
STOCKHOLM, May 4 — With US universities facing challenges to their independence and funding, Nordic countries hope their emphasis on academic freedom and strong welfare societies can lure researchers seeking to leave the United States. 'To researchers in the United States: welcome,' Sweden's Education Minister Johan Pehrson told AFP, reaching out to academics affected by a wave of measures under US President Donald Trump. 'We can offer trust and long-term investments. We've got academic freedom. If you are looking for a place to do your work and contribute to solving global challenges, we value your knowledge,' the minister said in a written statement. 'Our aim is to make it easier for talented individuals to come to Sweden,' he added. In late April, the American Association of Colleges and Universities published a statement condemning an 'unprecedented government overreach and political interference now endangering American higher education', which as of April 28 had gathered more than 500 signatures from leaders in the sector. 'It's a huge attack and most probably this will just increase,' Lars Strannegard, president of the Stockholm School of Economics, told AFP. 'It's a battle actually, and probably the sort of real battle regarding how the US will develop as a country. A battlefield that will be at the universities,' he added. US research cuts Experts have voiced concerns that Trump's cuts to American research threaten the United States' standing as a global science leader, and that a loss of research and data could lead to a lack of fact-based information and growing disinformation. An analysis of application data by science journal Nature in April found that the number of US scientists applying for jobs abroad between January and March had increased by 32 percent, compared to the same period a year earlier. Countries across Europe are now vying to recruit academics seeking to leave the United States. French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are due to take part in a conference in Paris next week aimed at getting foreign researchers, especially Americans, to 'Choose Europe', the French presidency announced Wednesday. Nordic countries have already begun taking such steps. The Research Council of Norway announced last week a 100-million-kroner (RM40.99 million kroner) scheme to attract top international researchers. 'Academic freedom is under pressure in the United States, and it is an unpredictable situation for many researchers in what has been the world's leading research nation for many decades,' Norway's higher education minister Sigrun Aasland said in a statement. Similarly, the Swedish Research Council in mid-April announced a grant to help universities recruit international researchers, paying out two million kronor ($207,000) to cover recruitment costs and salaries. The Danish Chamber of Commerce, along with a labour union, the Danish Society of Engineers, last week called on Danish politicians to raise awareness about Denmark among US researchers Younger talent 'We must do everything we can to ensure that Denmark, Danish science institutions and Danish companies are an attractive alternative,' Brian Mikkelsen, CEO of the Danish Chamber of Commerce, said in a statement. Karin Forsberg Nilsson, dean of the faculty of medicine at Uppsala University in Sweden, said that given the collaborative nature of science, cuts to funding in the United States will have knock-on effects in Europe. 'If our partners at laboratories and hospitals in the United States cannot conduct their research in the usual way because their funding is stopped or their employees are laid off, this will of course also affect the research we conduct here,' Forsberg Nilsson told AFP. 'It also has a major impact on large shared databases and datasets,' she added. Always on the lookout for talented researchers, she said her department has already begun being 'proactive in advertising job vacancies' to US researchers. Forsberg Nilsson said they believe it could be easier to attract younger researchers who are less settled and might find Sweden's extensive childcare support and parental leave appealing for those planning to start families. Anders Hagfeldt, vice-chancellor of Uppsala University, said he also thought that finding creative ways to attract researchers would be key. 'We don't have the same salaries as the best researchers in the United States, so we find it difficult to compete there,' Hagfeldt told AFP. 'But researchers usually try to think about doing exciting research in an exciting environment. I think we can offer that,' he said. — AFP
The Sun
03-05-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Nordics hope to attract US researchers alienated by Trump
STOCKHOLM: With US universities facing challenges to their independence and funding, Nordic countries hope their emphasis on academic freedom and strong welfare societies can lure researchers seeking to leave the United States. 'To researchers in the United States: welcome,' Sweden's Education Minister Johan Pehrson told AFP, reaching out to academics affected by a wave of measures under US President Donald Trump. 'We can offer trust and long-term investments. We've got academic freedom. If you are looking for a place to do your work and contribute to solving global challenges, we value your knowledge,' the minister said in a written statement. 'Our aim is to make it easier for talented individuals to come to Sweden,' he added. In late April, the American Association of Colleges and Universities published a statement condemning an 'unprecedented government overreach and political interference now endangering American higher education', which as of April 28 had gathered more than 500 signatures from leaders in the sector. 'It's a huge attack and most probably this will just increase,' Lars Strannegard, president of the Stockholm School of Economics, told AFP. 'It's a battle actually, and probably the sort of real battle regarding how the US will develop as a country. A battlefield that will be at the universities,' he added. US research cuts Experts have voiced concerns that Trump's cuts to American research threaten the United States' standing as a global science leader, and that a loss of research and data could lead to a lack of fact-based information and growing disinformation. An analysis of application data by science journal Nature in April found that the number of US scientists applying for jobs abroad between January and March had increased by 32 percent, compared to the same period a year earlier. Countries across Europe are now vying to recruit academics seeking to leave the United States. French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are due to take part in a conference in Paris next week aimed at getting foreign researchers, especially Americans, to 'Choose Europe', the French presidency announced Wednesday. Nordic countries have already begun taking such steps. The Research Council of Norway announced last week a 100-million-kroner (about $10-million) scheme to attract top international researchers. 'Academic freedom is under pressure in the United States, and it is an unpredictable situation for many researchers in what has been the world's leading research nation for many decades,' Norway's higher education minister Sigrun Aasland said in a statement. Similarly, the Swedish Research Council in mid-April announced a grant to help universities recruit international researchers, paying out two million kronor ($207,000) to cover recruitment costs and salaries. The Danish Chamber of Commerce, along with a labour union, the Danish Society of Engineers, last week called on Danish politicians to raise awareness about Denmark among US researchers. Younger talent 'We must do everything we can to ensure that Denmark, Danish science institutions and Danish companies are an attractive alternative,' Brian Mikkelsen, CEO of the Danish Chamber of Commerce, said in a statement. Karin Forsberg Nilsson, dean of the faculty of medicine at Uppsala University in Sweden, said that given the collaborative nature of science, cuts to funding in the United States will have knock-on effects in Europe. 'If our partners at laboratories and hospitals in the United States cannot conduct their research in the usual way because their funding is stopped or their employees are laid off, this will of course also affect the research we conduct here,' Forsberg Nilsson told AFP. 'It also has a major impact on large shared databases and datasets,' she added. Always on the lookout for talented researchers, she said her department has already begun being 'proactive in advertising job vacancies' to US researchers. Forsberg Nilsson said they believe it could be easier to attract younger researchers who are less settled and might find Sweden's extensive childcare support and parental leave appealing for those planning to start families. Anders Hagfeldt, vice-chancellor of Uppsala University, said he also thought that finding creative ways to attract researchers would be key. 'We don't have the same salaries as the best researchers in the United States, so we find it difficult to compete there,' Hagfeldt told AFP. 'But researchers usually try to think about doing exciting research in an exciting environment. I think we can offer that,' he said.
The Sun
03-05-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Nordics Woo US Researchers Amid Academic Freedom Fears
STOCKHOLM: With US universities facing challenges to their independence and funding, Nordic countries hope their emphasis on academic freedom and strong welfare societies can lure researchers seeking to leave the United States. 'To researchers in the United States: welcome,' Sweden's Education Minister Johan Pehrson told AFP, reaching out to academics affected by a wave of measures under US President Donald Trump. 'We can offer trust and long-term investments. We've got academic freedom. If you are looking for a place to do your work and contribute to solving global challenges, we value your knowledge,' the minister said in a written statement. 'Our aim is to make it easier for talented individuals to come to Sweden,' he added. In late April, the American Association of Colleges and Universities published a statement condemning an 'unprecedented government overreach and political interference now endangering American higher education', which as of April 28 had gathered more than 500 signatures from leaders in the sector. 'It's a huge attack and most probably this will just increase,' Lars Strannegard, president of the Stockholm School of Economics, told AFP. 'It's a battle actually, and probably the sort of real battle regarding how the US will develop as a country. A battlefield that will be at the universities,' he added. US research cuts Experts have voiced concerns that Trump's cuts to American research threaten the United States' standing as a global science leader, and that a loss of research and data could lead to a lack of fact-based information and growing disinformation. An analysis of application data by science journal Nature in April found that the number of US scientists applying for jobs abroad between January and March had increased by 32 percent, compared to the same period a year earlier. Countries across Europe are now vying to recruit academics seeking to leave the United States. French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are due to take part in a conference in Paris next week aimed at getting foreign researchers, especially Americans, to 'Choose Europe', the French presidency announced Wednesday. Nordic countries have already begun taking such steps. The Research Council of Norway announced last week a 100-million-kroner (about $10-million) scheme to attract top international researchers. 'Academic freedom is under pressure in the United States, and it is an unpredictable situation for many researchers in what has been the world's leading research nation for many decades,' Norway's higher education minister Sigrun Aasland said in a statement. Similarly, the Swedish Research Council in mid-April announced a grant to help universities recruit international researchers, paying out two million kronor ($207,000) to cover recruitment costs and salaries. The Danish Chamber of Commerce, along with a labour union, the Danish Society of Engineers, last week called on Danish politicians to raise awareness about Denmark among US researchers. Younger talent 'We must do everything we can to ensure that Denmark, Danish science institutions and Danish companies are an attractive alternative,' Brian Mikkelsen, CEO of the Danish Chamber of Commerce, said in a statement. Karin Forsberg Nilsson, dean of the faculty of medicine at Uppsala University in Sweden, said that given the collaborative nature of science, cuts to funding in the United States will have knock-on effects in Europe. 'If our partners at laboratories and hospitals in the United States cannot conduct their research in the usual way because their funding is stopped or their employees are laid off, this will of course also affect the research we conduct here,' Forsberg Nilsson told AFP. 'It also has a major impact on large shared databases and datasets,' she added. Always on the lookout for talented researchers, she said her department has already begun being 'proactive in advertising job vacancies' to US researchers. Forsberg Nilsson said they believe it could be easier to attract younger researchers who are less settled and might find Sweden's extensive childcare support and parental leave appealing for those planning to start families. Anders Hagfeldt, vice-chancellor of Uppsala University, said he also thought that finding creative ways to attract researchers would be key. 'We don't have the same salaries as the best researchers in the United States, so we find it difficult to compete there,' Hagfeldt told AFP. 'But researchers usually try to think about doing exciting research in an exciting environment. I think we can offer that,' he said.
