These decisions, as well as concerns about future funding reductions, have led to an exodus of researchers from the United States, scientists now seeking to continue their careers outside the country. A Analysis published in Nature found that 75% of American scientists interviewed were considering leaving the country. In the meantime, Nature careers dataA global scientific employment platform reveals that between January and March this year, American professionals sent 32% more requests to foreign institutions compared to the same period in 2024. In addition, the number of American users exploring opportunities outside the country increased by 35%.
At the same time, the international interest of working in the United States has decreased considerably. During the first quarter of the year, the applications of scientists in Canada, China and Europe in American research centers fell 13%, 39%and 41%, respectively.
In this context, European institutions have intensified their efforts to attract American talents. The Aix-Marseille University in France recently launched A safe place for scienceA program aimed at welcoming American researchers rejected, censored or limited by Trump's policies. This project is supported with an investment of around 15 million euros.
In the same vein, Max Planck in Germany has announced the creation of Max Planck Transatlantic Programwhose aim is to establish joint research centers with American institutions. “Exceptional investigators who have to leave the United States, we will consider for posts of director,” said the director of the company Patrick Cramer in the discourse discussing the program.
Spain is looking for a leading role
Juan Cruz Cigudosa, Secretary of State of State for Sciences, Innovation and Universities, stressed that Spain is also actively involved in the attraction of global scientific talents, and favors areas such as quantum biotechnology, artificial intelligence, advanced materials and semiconductors, as well as everything that strengthens the technological sovereign of the country.
To achieve this, the government of Pedro Sánchez has strengthened the existing programs. The ATRAE program – which aims to encourage established researchers to bring their work to Spain – has been strengthened with 45 million euros to recruit scientists who are leaders in strategic fields, with particular accent on American experts who feel “despised”. This program offers additional funding of 200,000 euros per project to those selected in the United States.
Likewise, the Ramón Y Cajal program – carried out 25 years ago to continue the career of young scientists – has increased its funding by 150% since 2018, allowing 500 researchers to be funded per year, 30% of which are foreigners.
“We are going to intensify efforts to attract the talents of the United States. We want them to come to do the best possible science, without ideological restrictions. Scientific and technological knowledge makes us a better country, because it generates a shared prosperity and a vision of the future of the scientific program of Choose Europe.
This story originally appeared on Cable in Spanish and was translated from Spanish.
