Trump's massive attack on science is driving US researchers away. German research institutions could benefit, but they’re also concerned about Trump’s impact on global science.
Major job cuts, reduced or eliminated research funding, and political instructions — these were some of the significant impacts during US President Donald Trump's administration. attack on science is not just impacting domains he disapproves of, including climate, energy, social issues, or gender studies. It even extends to progressive sectors like AI or mRNA vaccine technologies are being impacted.
Critics view Trump's assault on research freedom as a politically-motivated attack on the pluralistic system and the liberal democratic order. Trump, critics say, is taking aim at the scientific method of refuting claims and myths with facts and analyses.
The doubt generated by Trump's moves is so significant that numerous individuals are affected. Researchers aim to exit the United States. For job opportunities in Canada and Asia, with particular emphasis on Europe.
Trump's assault on research undermines worldwide scientific efforts.
Europe, particularly Germany, could greatly profit from a "brain drain." However, there should be no cause for celebration. The unparalleled assault on scientific endeavors initiated by Trump adversely affects the whole globe since research flourishes through global collaboration.
If pharmaceutical advancements stall in the United States, it hampers worldwide medical progression. Similarly, if there are gaps in data regarding highly contagious diseases or bird flu, Currently circulating throughout the United States When they are absent, the globe is inadequately ready for a possible future pandemic.
"We must now join forces with our counterparts in the U.S., as fundamentally, we require robust scientific efforts there. We cannot easily fill gaps that currently exist in areas such as climate research, global health studies, or concerning the shift towards renewable energies," stated Otmar Wiestler, who serves as the president of the Helmholtz Association.
"The higher the level of intervention in science, the more severe the worldwide repercussions will be, affecting even the United States," Weisertler stated to SANTIJAYA.
U.S. researchers are keen on visiting Germany.
Trump's actions offer opportunities to attract top researchers to Europe, and European research institutions do not want to miss this chance. At the same time, they do not want to strain their traditionally good cooperation with US partners or exploit the researchers' concerns.
So far, accurate statistics regarding American researchers looking to relocate to Europe have not been established. Nonetheless, prominent German research organizations are witnessing an increase in application submissions from the United States, encompassing several highly sought-after scholars they aspire to bring aboard.
At the beginning of February 2025, Patrick Kramer, who leads the Max Planck Society, stated that application numbers from the United States had increased twofold at minimum, with some areas seeing an uptick as high as threefold.
According to Christina Beck from the Max Planck Society, sought-after postdoctoral students from countries like India, South Korea, and China view Germany as an appealing option alongside the United States.
"Germany remains a fundamentally independent and appealing option compared to the United States as a research destination," stated Helmholtz President Wiestler.
With more than 46,000 staff members and an annual budget exceeding 6.3 billion euros, the Helmholtz Association stands as Germany’s premier institution dedicated to funding and advancing scientific inquiry.
"We can thus infer that international researchers are progressively viewing career opportunities here more favorably. This observation is applicable not just to scientists presently working in the U.S., but also to skilled researchers globally who are seeking alternative options. A comparable pattern was noted following Brexit," stated Wiestler.
Is it advisable for Germany to actively attract researchers from the US?
In the view of the Max Planck Society, there is no issue with Germany aggressively seeking top talent from the United States. According to Dr. Christina Beck, this chance must not be overlooked.
President Helmholtz Wiestler differs: "I find the current calls for actively recruiting leading researchers from the U.S. to be short-sighted. The United States remains an exceptionally important scientific collaborator for us, and we expect this relationship to continue in the years ahead."
The Fraunhofer Society for the Promotion of Practical Research shares this perspective. According to spokesman Patrick Dieckhoff speaking to SANTIJAYA, Fraunhofer "actively seeks out top talent." Nonetheless, he clarified that "at present, there isn’t a specific initiative aimed at recruiting American scientists due to recent events."
The Leibniz Association, comprising 96 individual research organizations, has no plans to specifically lure scientists from the United States.
"Utmost urgency lies in enhancing our collaboration immediately to back up our American counterparts. Luring away American colleagues could potentially lead to an even greater decline in American scientific efforts," stated Martina Brockmeier, the president of Leibniz, to SANTIJAYA.
If the researchers who are impacted want to relocate, "we will be more than willing to provide our support," stated Brockmeier.
Is it possible for German research organizations to carry out leading-edge research?
Studies facilitate new inventions, stimulate economic expansion, and assist in tackling significant contemporary and upcoming issues. Over recent years, Germany has significantly increased funding for scientific endeavors and intends to allocate over 3.5 percent of its GDP to research and development moving forward.
The German government offers dependable financial backing for scientific endeavors via both federal and state-level funds. Additionally, the autonomy of science is enshrined in the constitution, guaranteeing that research conducted in Germany remains unrestricted and self-governing.
The excellence of leading German research is mirrored in its publishing statistics as well: According to the "Nature Index" for 2023, which assesses the output of publications in the natural sciences from academic institutions and universities, Germany holds the highest position in Europe and stands at number three globally, following closely behind the frontrunners—the United States and China.
Numerous factors make our organization an excellent choice, irrespective of present circumstances," stated Helmholtz President Wiestler. "Germany stands out as a prime research hub for these areas.
Bureaucratic hurdles
Although German research stands out globally, Brockmeier pointed out that there are significant administrative obstacles when trying to attract scientists, reforms for which are urgently needed.
Brockmeier stated this involves cutting down excess bureaucratic procedures, fostering greater autonomy, securing stable funding over the long term, enhancing the appeal of academic professions, and streamlining the process of transferring technology and collaborating with businesses.
President Wiestler of Helmholtz also urges for "a stronger welcome culture Along with a significant decrease in bureaucratic red tape for scientific endeavors, the new federal administration needs to take swift action.
He stated that only through this approach can we develop an environment conducive to attracting top talent globally on a sustainable basis.
In order to lure American researchers, swift and straightforward measures are required, including expedited visa and scheduling processes, according to statements made by Max Planck spokesperson Beck.
"The incoming federal administration shouldn’t eliminate the current dual citizenship rule. This policy has proven attractive to international researchers following Brexit," Beck noted additionally.
This article was translated from the original in German.
Author: Alexander Freund