Since returning to office, Donald Trump has launched a series of controversial measures targeting the U.S. scientific community. These actions—ranging from budget cuts and hiring freezes to censorship of scientific language—have caused deep concern among researchers, many of whom are now considering leaving the country.
Joyce*, an American researcher in environmental science and policy, says the changes have placed her career and financial security at risk. “I’m unemployed, the job market is tight, and my ability to contribute internationally is now limited,” she says. Joyce is just one of thousands facing uncertainty in what was once considered a stable field.
Trump’s administration has implemented sweeping budget cuts across federal research agencies, including NOAA and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). In February, the NIH announced a $4 billion funding cut, raising alarms about the future of cancer and neurological disease research.
Even more controversially, federal guidelines now discourage using words like “diversity,” “pollution,” and “climate crisis” in scientific publications. This censorship has drawn widespread criticism for undermining both scientific integrity and free expression.
In protest, nearly 1,900 U.S. scientists signed an open letter in March warning the public of the dangers these policies pose. Many have joined “Stand Up for Science,” a growing movement that demands an end to political interference in research, restoration of funding, and promotion of inclusivity in science.
Amid rising instability, many researchers are now looking abroad. A recent Nature survey revealed that three out of four U.S. scientists are considering moving to Europe or Canada due to hostile conditions at home. Joyce is one of them. While still based in the U.S., she’s begun applying for jobs in the UK and EU and has started the process of securing Irish citizenship.
European institutions are responding to this growing interest. Aix-Marseille University in France launched a “Safe Place for Science” program, offering 15 new research positions with €15 million in funding. Over 300 applications have poured in, many from senior-level U.S. scientists.
“This isn’t just bad policy,” Joyce says. “It’s a direct attack on research that improves lives—from public health to environmental protection.” For her and many others, the solution may lie beyond American borders, where science is still free to speak—and funded to thrive.
This article is originally published on France24.
