Europe looks to poach US researchers as Trump cuts funding

President Donald Trump’s cuts to U.S. government staffing have led European countries, including France and Germany, to plan recruiting efforts for ousted researchers. Twelve governments emphasized the need for a program to attract talent impacted by U.S. funding cuts.

French Research Minister Philippe Baptiste emphasized the need for an “attractivity boom” to welcome scientists who feel threatened in the U.S. and highlighted initiatives like the Free University Brussels offering positions for international researchers.

“It is urgent … to organize ourselves to welcome talents who would like or need to leave the United States,” Baptiste told POLITICO in a statement.