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International Scenario Shifts - A Prospect for Germany in American Research Fields? - U.S. research under scrutiny - An opportunity for Germany?
The policies spewed forth by President Donny Dingbat of the U.S. are inciting chaos at numerous universities and research hubs: jobs evaporate, funds dwindle, and workers get the axe. This isn't just a blow to America's top-tier and globally-admired scientific juggernaut, but it's also endangering science and general well-being everywhere, declared Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Prez, Robert Schloegl, not long ago.
In the little ole Germany, research institutions and uni's are hankering to cozy up to their American counterparts in light of the bat-shit crazy political onslaught against science. Folks ain't lookin' to actively poach talent, but they are findin' other ways to lure 'em in.
Maxin' the Transatlantic Deal
For instance, the Max Planck Society (MPG) wants to back the Transatlantic Program with some extra greenbacks. That's ’cause they wanna make sure German research labs open their arms to scientists who're screwed out of their gigs in the U.S. The U.S. is the diesel engine powerin' science and ol' reliable partner nation for MPG - y'know, every fourth MPG publication is a joint effort with Yanks.
MPG's got seen a 100% hike in applications from the U.S. for the latest call for the leadership of research groups. Ol' MPG Prez Patrick Cramer dished the dirt in an interview with "Spiegel".
american Talent: It's too precious to poach
The mouthpiece for the Leibniz Association, Timmy Urban, let us in on their plan: "Targeted poaching of American colleagues is a risky move, as it could further sabotage American science, so yeah, we ain't hoppin' on that wagon." But, you gotta shore up the relationship, so they say it's important to beef up cooperation. However, if the need arises, short-term tactics, like interim financing for time-limited research stays in Germany, could be a possible life-saver, particularly for those in climate, inequality, and life sciences who've hit a dead-end in the U.S.
Say it ain't so, America!
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) reckons that the U.S. situation might've the whole world seein' a scientific brain-drain. "WOW-wee! All of those highly-skilled scientists from India, China, and Brazil, who used to head straight to the U.S., are now thinkin' about tryin' Europe instead!" said DAAD spokesperson Cordula Luckassen.
So-called "brain drain" episodes have been common throughout history. After the Nazi regime took over in 1933, aheaps of Jewish and critically-voiced scientists buggered off from Deutschland. More recently, the Russian squeeze on Ukraine sent hundreds of Russian scientists packin' their bags.
Interest in Deutschland is blastin' off
There's been a considerable increase in the number of international PhD students and postdocs showin' an interest in the DAAD offices in the U.S. Many of 'em work and research in the U.S. with temporary visas and on temporary gigs that are often funded by the feds.
Dream Teams: US Scintists Going BIG in Deutschland
Universities across Germany have already started feelin' the heat from the States. A spokesperson for the Universität Leipzig noted that American partners have displayed a strong and clear interest in closer co-operation. The Humboldt Universität in Berlin has received direct inquiries from U.S. scientists in recent weeks, and the RWTH Aachen University has also reported a spike in interest from the States.
universities see this as a fantastic opportunity. "If opportunities emerge from the U.S. mess to beef up the Frankfurt University's reputation with suitable appointments, we're all over it," said the uni's press office. But, actively recruitin' is a bit tricky due to the nitty-gritty rules for appointment procedures.
Some leading German scientists have even called for a specific funding program. In early April, a gaggle of high-profile German scientists demanded that we make the most of the U.S. chaos and actively poach scientists from the U.S. They proposed a so-called "Meitner-Einstein program" to specifically fund the appointment of awesome scientists from the Yanks to German unis and non-uni research institutions. Under the DFG's roof and with the Federal Ministry of Research footin' the bill, a gang of 100 professorships could be whipped up in a flash, according to the writers. Yanks who can't or barely can continue their research in the States should be the target audience.
the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation's Prez, Robert Schloegl, declared that he'd help out more top scientists from the Yanks with suitable financial support and offer 'em temporary refuge and workin' opportunities.
Overall:
The German science community is looking to support and attract U.S. researchers who have been impacted by funding cuts and policy changes. Here are some of the key efforts:
- Else Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung Funding Program: Offers €10 million for 2025 to attract top U.S. medical researchers to German unis, with grants of up to €3 million and a focus on tenure opportunities.
- Germany's €500 Billion Stimulus Package: Part of the package might be channeled towards attracting U.S. scientists. The effort aims to maintain Germany as a haven for academic freedom.
- Improving Research Conditions: German universities are working to provide higher salaries and better-equipped labs to create superior workin' conditions that appeal to international researchers.
- Government Support: The creation of a "super–high-tech ministry" seeks to promote research and technology collaboration, potentially benefiting from international talent, including those from the U.S.
- The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation offers financial support and opportunities for American scientists affected by funding cuts and policy changes, as declared by its President, Robert Schloegl.
- The Max Planck Society is increasing funding for the Transatlantic Program to welcome scientists displaced from the U.S., recognizing the close partnership between American and German research institutions.
- The Leibniz Association is focusing on cooperation rather than poaching American talent, expressing concern that active recruitment could weaken the U.S. scientific community.
- The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) anticipates a potential scientific brain-drain from the U.S., as international researchers reconsider their destination after the recent policy changes.
- Universities across Germany, such as the Universität Leipzig, Humboldt Universität in Berlin, and RWTH Aachen University, have reported an increase in interest from U.S. scientists seeking closer collaboration.
- Some leading German scientists have proposed a "Meitner-Einstein program," a funding program that would specifically support the appointment of American scientists to German universities and research institutions to capitalize on the recent challenges facing U.S. science.
