Northern regions aim to entice American scientists disenchanted by Trump's administration
USA's Research Woes: AP News
Worried by the turmoil in the US research sector, Nordic countries are in hot pursuit of American academics, lured by freedom, funding, and welfare systems that could rival the US after decades of dominance.
Calling all US Scholars
Sweden's Education Minister, Johan Pehrson, has a message for US researchers: "Welcome!" Seeking to capitalize on US universities' struggles under the Trump administration, Sweden emphasizes trust, long-term investments, and academic freedom, offering the perfect setting for US scholars striving to contribute to global challenges [1].
President of the Stockholm School of Economics, Lars Strannegard, notes the ongoing political attack on US universities, calling it "a battle" with devastating consequences for the US's position as a global leader in science [1]. Sweden and other Nordic countries are eager to tap this pool of expertise and talent.
Crippling Blows to US Research
Critics warn that the US research sector is under a serious threat due to Trump's funding cuts, which could undermine the US's status as a global science powerhouse. A lack of research and data could exacerbate the disinformation landscape [1].
Science journal Nature found that between January and March, the number of US scientists applying for jobs abroad increased by 32% compared to the same period the previous year [3]. Europe is now gearing up to recruit US academics looking to leave their homeland.
France and Europe Call Out
French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will participate in a conference in Paris aimed at attracting foreign researchers, particularly Americans, encouraging them to "Choose Europe" [1].
Norway's Appeal
Norway's Higher Education Minister, Sigrun Aasland, highlighted the US academic freedom crisis, stating that it poses an unpredictable situation for researchers in the world's leading research nation for many decades [3]. To attract top international researchers, Norway announced a 100-million-kroner scheme - equivalent to about $10 million - focusing on climate, health, energy, and artificial intelligence [4].
Sweden has also stepped up its game, offering a grant to help universities recruit international researchers, taking care of recruitment costs and salaries [2]. Denmark is making efforts to raise awareness among US researchers and make the Nordic country an attractive alternative [2].
Younger Talent
Universities in Sweden have started advertising job vacancies to US researchers and believe that there could be a competitive edge in attracting younger researchers, who might be swayed by Sweden's extensive childcare support and parental leave [2].
Navigating the Field
Lower salaries in the Nordic countries might make it difficult to compete with US counterparts, but Uppsala University Vice-Chancellor Anders Hagfeldt emphasizes the importance of offering a stimulating research environment [2]. Bergen University's Vice-Chancellor, Dag Rune Olsen, bolsters this approach by asserting that the Nordic countries can rival the US in providing intellectual challenges, leading to creative and successful research opportunities [1].
Tapping into Talent
With the US research sector facing increasing challenges, the Nordic countries see this as an opportunity to tap into American scientific talent and make their mark as a top destination for cutting-edge research [1].
- Sweden's Education Minister, Johan Pehrson, welcomes US scholars, offering an environment that supports long-term investments, academic freedom, and global contributions.
- Critics warn that Trump's funding cuts could undermine the US's status as a global science powerhouse, leading to an increase in US scientists applying for jobs abroad.
- France and Europe, with Macron and von der Leyen, are hosting a conference to attract foreign researchers, particularly Americans, enticing them to "Choose Europe."
- Norway, recognizing the US academic freedom crisis, announced a 100-million-kroner scheme focusing on climate, health, energy, and artificial intelligence to attract top international researchers.
- Universities in Sweden believe there could be a competitive edge in attracting younger researchers, who might be swayed by Sweden's extensive childcare support and parental leave.
- Despite lower salaries, the Nordic countries, such as Uppsala University and Bergen University, promise a stimulating research environment that can rival the US in providing intellectual challenges, leading to creative and successful research opportunities.
