Amid mounting political and funding challenges confronting scientists in the United States, Professor Edith Heard, the newly appointed Director of the Francis Crick Institute, has emphasized the duty of the UK and Europe to actively welcome US researchers. As global science faces unprecedented pressures, Heard calls for fostering cross-border collaboration and offering sanctuary to international talents to maintain scientific excellence and innovation.
Edith Heard’s Leadership and Vision
Professor Edith Heard assumed leadership of the Francis Crick Institute in London in summer 2025, succeeding Sir Paul Nurse. Heard, a distinguished British geneticist and former Director General of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), brings extensive experience in leading international scientific institutions and advancing molecular biology.
She is renowned for championing interdisciplinary collaboration, as evidenced by her leadership of EMBL’s “Molecules to Ecosystems” program, which integrates molecular research with ecological studies to address global challenges. At the Crick, Heard aims to build on its world-class reputation and foster an inclusive culture dedicated to high-impact research.
Duty to Receive US Scientists in Need
In recent months, Heard has publicly underscored the “duty” of the UK and European scientific communities to receive US scientists who face growing hurdles from political restrictions and funding cuts in their home country. She stresses that these challenges threaten the freedom and progress of scientific inquiry internationally.
Her calls echo broader European initiatives designed to act as havens for talented researchers worldwide, notably those displaced or discouraged by policies in other regions. Maintaining scientific freedom and facilitating researcher mobility are central to Europe’s strategy for sustaining its competitive edge.
European Initiatives to Attract Global Scientists
Europe has rolled out substantial funding and policy programs to attract and support international scientists, including those from the US:
Increased Funding
- The European Research Council (ERC) has boosted its budget, investing €500 million ($566 million) between 2025-2027 to draw top-tier researchers.
- The ERC’s current budget for 2021-27 stands at €16 billion, reflecting Europe’s long-term commitment to research excellence.
Academic and Legal Support
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has promised legal protections enshrining academic freedom and scientific inquiry within EU law, amidst concerns over global political pressures.
- Innovative proposals include “super grants” for high-impact projects and a “special passport” for science, expediting mobility and visas for overseas researchers.
Institutional Engagement
- Major research organizations, including Germany’s Max Planck Society, report increased applications from US scientists, signaling a growing trend of migration toward Europe.
UK-Specific Measures to Support International Researchers
The UK government, through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), has introduced targeted funding and visa facilitation programs:
UKRI Funding Scheme
- A £54 million fund aims to attract outstanding international researchers and teams to UK institutions, supporting relocation and integration.
- The fund prioritizes institutions with proven success in recruiting and sustaining international talent, ensuring the support enhances scientific communities sustainably.
Visa and Policy Support
- The UK government commits to providing generous financial backing and easing visa processes, positioning the UK as an inclusive hub for global science.
Perspectives from Leading Experts and Institutions
- Maria Leptin, President of the ERC, supports Europe as “a haven” for researchers under adversity but cautions against exploiting such circumstances for narrow competitive advantage. She advocates robust support structures but notes institutional limits on creating research positions.
- Matthias Johannsen, Director of the European Federation of Academies of Sciences and Humanities, emphasizes the ethical responsibility to protect academic freedom and provide sanctuary for science as a shared global good.
- Yann LeCun, Meta’s chief AI scientist, has criticized US policies that reduce public research funding, highlighting Europe’s unique opportunity to attract the best minds.
- Professor Heard has highlighted the importance of cross-border scientific collaboration and fostering diversity in research to tackle pressing global problems from climate change to biodiversity loss.
Challenges and the Path Forward
While Europe and the UK have stepped up efforts to attract US scientists, challenges remain:
- The need for robust scientific infrastructure, funding continuity, and supportive communities is essential to sustain relocated researchers.
- Visa and residency permit processes must continue to improve to reduce bureaucratic barriers.
- Ideally, restoring robust support for scientific freedom and funding within the US remains a priority to reduce displacement pressures.
As the global scientific community navigates an era marked by political uncertainty and shifting funding landscapes, Professor Edith Heard’s call for the UK and Europe to embrace US scientists underscores the critical role of international solidarity in science. European and UK research institutions are responding with strengthened funding, legal protections, and policy innovations to maintain their status as global research leaders.
These efforts reflect a broader commitment to safeguard academic freedom and foster a truly international community of scientific excellence, ensuring research continues to drive solutions for humanity’s most profound challenges.
