Europe Initiates Program to Attract Scientific Talent Amid US Funding Cuts

The European Commission has unveiled a significant initiative aimed at drawing researchers and scientists to the European Union, particularly from the United States. Named the Choose Europe for Science program, this initiative is backed by over EUR500 million (approximately $568 million) and is designed to provide alternatives for scientists facing diminished opportunities due to recent funding reductions in the US.

Spanning from 2025 to 2027, the program will allocate substantial resources to recruit experts across various scientific fields. It also sets a goal for EU member states to dedicate 3 percent of their GDP to research and development projects by 2030.

Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, emphasized the critical importance of science in addressing global challenges, ranging from health issues to technological advancements and climate change. She remarked on the potential ramifications of questioning the role of science in society, calling it a substantial miscalculation.

In addition to funding, the initiative proposes the establishment of long-term "super grants" aimed at providing financial stability for exceptional researchers, extending for a duration of seven years. There are also plans to significantly increase financial assistance for those relocating to the EU.

Von der Leyen affirmed Europe's commitment to fostering scientific endeavors, citing the region's stable investment climate, robust infrastructure, and dedication to collaborative research. However, she acknowledged that navigating the bureaucratic landscape in the EU can be more complex compared to other parts of the world.

To address these challenges, the European Commission intends to introduce a new legislative framework known as the European Research Area Act, which will facilitate the unhindered movement of knowledge and data across member states, thereby enhancing research freedoms.

Currently, the EU is home to approximately 2 million researchers, accounting for a quarter of the global research community. The EU's Horizon Europe program, with an annual budget exceeding EUR95 billion, has supported numerous Nobel Prize winners over the past four decades. Von der Leyen reiterated the objective of positioning Europe as a leader in key technological areas, including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and biotechnology.

In the United States, anticipated cuts to federal scientific agencies are causing a notable shift. President Trump's proposed budget for the 2026 fiscal year includes significant reductions, with potential declines of up to 56 percent for the National Science Foundation and approximately 40 percent for the National Institutes of Health (NIH). These cuts follow a series of funding withdrawals and project cancellations that have already impacted various research initiatives.

The current climate has prompted many American scientists to reconsider their career prospects, with a survey indicating that 75 percent of respondents are contemplating relocation. Data from a global scientific employment platform has shown a 32 percent increase in applications from American professionals to foreign institutions during the initial months of this year, alongside a 35 percent rise in user interest in opportunities abroad.

In contrast, the desire among international scientists to work in the US has diminished, as evidenced by a notable decrease in applications from Canada, China, and Europe to American research centers.

In response to these developments, European institutions are ramping up efforts to attract displaced US talent. Aix-Marseille University in France has launched a program called A Safe Place for Science, focusing on welcoming US researchers affected by governmental policy changes. Similarly, the Max Planck Society in Germany is establishing collaborative research centers with US institutions, aiming to provide leadership roles for outstanding individuals leaving the US.

Spain is also taking proactive steps to enhance its appeal to global scientific talent. The Spanish government has reinforced existing programs designed to attract leading researchers in fields such as quantum biotechnology and artificial intelligence, offering substantial funding incentives to entice experts from the US. The Ramón y Cajal program, aimed at nurturing young scientists, has seen a significant increase in funding, allowing for a greater number of foreign researchers to be supported.

Spain's secretary of state for science has expressed a strong commitment to attracting US researchers, emphasizing the importance of unrestricted scientific inquiry and its role in fostering a prosperous future for the country.