Europe launches a program to attract it as the United States cuts its scientific talent
These decisions and concerns about future fund cuts have led to the emergence of researchers in the United States, who are now seeking careers outside the country. Posted in nature 75% of the U.S. scientists surveyed were found to be considering leaving the country. Meanwhile, data from the global scientific employment platform for Nature Careers shows that between January and March of this year, U.S. professionals sent 32% of applications to foreign institutions compared to the same period in 2024. Additionally, the number of U.S. users exploring opportunities outside the country has increased by 35%.
At the same time, international interest in working in the United States has dropped significantly. In the first quarter of this year, applications from Canadian, Chinese and European scientists to US research centers fell by 13%, 39%, and 41%, respectively.
Against this backdrop, European institutions have strengthened their efforts to attract our talents. France’s Aix-Marseille University recently launched a secure science venue, a program designed to host plans for U.S. researchers being rejected, reviewed or restricted by Trump’s policies. The investment in the project is about 15 million euros.
Similarly, the Max Planck Society of Germany announced the creation of the Max Planck Transatlantic program, which aims to establish a joint research center with American institutions. “We have to leave the outstanding investigator in the United States and we will consider serving as director positions,” said Patrick Cramer, director of the association, in a speech discussing the program.
Spain seeks the protagonist
Juan Cruz Cigudosa of the Spanish Science, Innovation and University stressed that Spain is also actively involved in attracting global scientific talent and prioritizes fields such as quantum biotechnology, artificial intelligence, advanced materials and semiconductors, as well as anyone who can enhance the country’s technology.
To achieve this, the Pedro Sánchez government strengthened its existing plans. The ATRAE program (designed to attract established researchers to bring their work to Spain) has strengthened them with a range of €45 million to recruit scientists who have become leaders in the field of strategy, with particular attention to American experts who feel “despised”. The program provides additional funding for each project selected from the United States.
Similarly, the RamónY Cajal program, created 25 years ago, has been aimed at further careers of young scientists, with funding increasing by 150% since 2018, allowing 500 researchers to be provided annually, 30% of whom are foreigners.
“We want them to attract talent in the United States. We want them to be able to do the best science without ideological limitations. Science and technology knowledge make us a better country because it produces a shared prosperity and vision for the future.”
This story originally appeared in wired español and has been translated into Spanish.
