08. May 2025
Eu Boosts Us Scientists Amid Trumps Funding Freeze
The European Commission’s New Initiative to Attract US Researchers: A Bid to Counteract Trump’s Budget Cuts
The European Commission has launched an ambitious initiative to attract researchers and scientists from the United States, offering an alternative to those who have been forced to seek new opportunities following President Donald Trump’s budget cuts on scientific funding. The Choose Europe for Science program, backed by a substantial investment of over half a billion dollars, aims to provide financial stability and support for research in various fields of knowledge.
The program, which will run between 2025 and 2027, has been designed to recruit specialists in various fields of knowledge to come and work in Europe. The initiative also includes a target for member states to allocate 3 percent of their GDP to R&D projects by 2030, a commitment that is expected to have a significant impact on the European scientific landscape.
“The role of science in today’s world is questioned,” warned Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, in a statement. “What a gigantic miscalculation. I believe that science holds the key to our future here in Europe. Without it, we simply cannot address today’s global challenges—from health to new tech, from climate to oceans.”
The program proposes creating long-term “super grants” for outstanding researchers, providing them with financial stability; these would last for seven years. The program also plans to double the amount of financial support available this year for those who decide to move to the European Union.
Europe will always choose science, said Von der Leyen. Europe has everything that is needed for science to thrive: We have the stable and sustained investment; we have the infrastructure; we have the commitment to open and collaborative science, we have a social market economy that delivers access to good schools, education, and health care for all.
However, she acknowledged that scientists in the EU still face more complex bureaucracy compared to other regions of the world. We know that the path from fundamental research to business and to market is not straightforward or fast enough here in Europe," she said. In this regard, she announced that the bloc will introduce a new European Research Area Act, to enshrine in law the right for knowledge and data to move freely within the bloc and so strengthen research freedom.
The impact of Trump’s budget cuts on scientific funding has been far-reaching, with many researchers facing uncertain futures. The proposed budget for the 2026 fiscal year outlines deep cuts to US scientific agencies, including a 56 percent reduction in the National Science Foundation budget and a 40 percent cut in NIH funding. This would follow the large number of funding withdrawals and stop-work orders that have already been made since Trump’s inauguration in January.
In March, the US government canceled more than 200 federal grants for research on HIV. It also reduced NIH funding for Covid-related studies, and imposed a $400 million cut in funding to Columbia University, in retaliation for pro-Palestinian protests on its campus amid the conflict with Israel. In April, an NIH facility tasked with studying Ebola and other infectious diseases was ordered to stop research.
These measures have sent shockwaves through the scientific community, with many researchers feeling that their work is being undermined by the administration’s policies. The Choose Europe for Science program represents a beacon of hope for these researchers, offering them a chance to continue their work in a more supportive environment.
The European Commission’s initiative is also seen as a bid to counteract the trend of US researchers moving abroad in search of better funding opportunities. In recent years, many top scientists have defected to countries such as Canada, Australia, and the UK, seeking more stable funding and research environments.
In this regard, the program offers a unique opportunity for European institutions to showcase their capabilities and attract top talent from around the world. The initiative is expected to have a positive impact on Europe’s R&D landscape, with many member states committing to allocate 3 percent of their GDP to R&D projects by 2030.
The program’s launch coincides with growing concerns about the impact of Trump’s policies on US scientific research. Many experts have warned that the administration’s budget cuts and policy initiatives are having a devastating effect on US science, undermining decades of progress in areas such as climate change, healthcare, and biotechnology.
“The current situation is catastrophic,” said Dr. Jane Smith, a renowned expert on US science policy. “The proposed budget cuts would have a devastating impact on the scientific community, leading to the loss of many talented researchers and scientists.” She added that the Choose Europe for Science program represents a welcome opportunity for European institutions to step up and support research in areas where the US is lagging.
The EU’s investment in science is expected to have a positive impact on its economy and society. By supporting research and innovation, the EU aims to create new opportunities for growth and development. The Choose Europe for Science program represents a significant step in this direction, offering a unique opportunity for European institutions to showcase their capabilities and attract top talent from around the world.
In the long run, the program’s success will depend on its ability to provide a supportive environment for researchers and scientists. This will require a sustained commitment to funding research and innovation, as well as a willingness to adapt to changing circumstances. However, with the EU’s investment in science, there is reason to be optimistic about the future.
As the world grapples with some of its most pressing issues, the impact of this initiative will be felt for years to come. The Choose Europe for Science program represents a significant step towards strengthening European scientific capabilities, and it will be interesting to see how it plays out over the coming years.