Since US President Donald Trump’s return to office in January, academic research in the United States has faced a series of funding cuts, raising significant concern and prompting some researchers to consider relocating to Europe. Trump has threatened to withdraw billions of dollars in federal funding from Ivy League institutions such as Harvard and Columbia if they do not abandon diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. In Columbia’s case, he also cited dissatisfaction with the university’s response to antisemitism on campus. In addition, grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the country’s primary biomedical research fund, have been cut, leading European universities like Aix Marseille University, Paris-Saclay, and Vrije Universiteit Brussel to set aside additional funds to attract American researchers.
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Experts highlight that while strong professional networks already exist between European and American academics, attracting talent requires more than funding alone. Professor Reinhilde Veugelers of KU Leuven noted that the best researchers are closely monitored through established academic networks. Competitive salary packages and long-term career prospects are critical, particularly in public universities where salary constraints are notable. Traditionally, many European academics have been drawn to the US due to superior resources, but now top European institutions such as Cambridge and Oxford are expected to lead recruitment efforts, sometimes by encouraging researchers to return after placements abroad.
European funding bodies are ramping up efforts to attract displaced researchers. The European Research Council (ERC) is seen as a significant instrument for this purpose, with grants now set to double to €2 million per researcher following an open letter from 13 governments urging a structural approach to talent attraction. Additionally, the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme has already allocated €354.6 million this year to support foreign researchers. However, experts such as Veugelers argue that beyond individual grants, universities themselves must be empowered to strengthen their recruitment strategies and build sustainable academic environments.
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In response to growing calls for a structured immigration pathway, EU Minister for Start-ups, Research, and Innovation, Ekaterina Zaharieva, announced the upcoming launch of the Choose Europe initiative. This programme aims to offer permanent academic positions and a streamlined visa process for top international researchers. As competition for global scientific talent intensifies, it is increasingly clear that Europe must offer not only generous funding but also stable and attractive career opportunities to ensure it remains a hub for world-leading research.
