Recent data indicates a notable decline in international applications from scientists seeking to work in the United States. In the first quarter of this year, there was a reported drop of 13 percent from Canadian researchers, along with more significant decreases of 39 percent and 41 percent from scientists in China and Europe, respectively, who applied to US research institutions source.
In light of this trend, European academic institutions are ramping up initiatives to attract talent from the US. Aix-Marseille University in France has introduced A Safe Place for Science, a program designed specifically to welcome American researchers who have faced dismissal, censorship, or other restrictions due to policies enacted during the Trump administration. This initiative is supported by an investment nearing €15 million.
Similarly, the Max Planck Society in Germany has unveiled the Max Planck Transatlantic Program, aimed at fostering collaborative research centers with US organizations. Patrick Cramer, the society’s director, indicated during a speech that exceptional researchers forced to leave the US will be considered for directorial roles within the program.
Spain positions itself as a leader
Juan Cruz Cigudosa, Spain’s secretary of state for science, innovation, and universities, emphasized the country’s commitment to attracting scientific talent on a global scale. Spain is focusing its efforts on critical sectors such as quantum biotechnology, artificial intelligence, advanced materials, and semiconductors to enhance its technological autonomy.
To bolster these efforts, the administration of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has enhanced existing programs. The ATRAE initiative, which incentivizes renowned researchers to relocate their work to Spain, has been allocated an additional €45 million. It aims particularly to recruit scientists leading in strategic fields, with a noteworthy emphasis on attracting experts from the US who may feel undervalued. Selected US researchers could receive an extra funding boost of €200,000 per project.
Additionally, the Ramón y Cajal program, which has supported the advancement of young researchers for the past quarter-century, has increased its funding by 150 percent since 2018. This now allows for annual funding of 500 researchers, with 30 percent of the recipients being international candidates.
“We are intensifying our efforts to attract talent from the United States. We want them to engage in high-quality scientific research, free from ideological constraints. Advancements in scientific and technological knowledge will enhance our nation’s prospects, fostering shared prosperity and a forward-looking vision,” Cigudosa stated to the Spanish international news agency EFE following the launch of the Choose Europe for Science initiative.
This story originally appeared on WIRED en Español and has been translated from Spanish.
