Robert Hunziker
“A few years ago, no one would have imagined that one of the
biggest democracies in the world would cancel research programs under the
pretext that the word ‘diversity’ was in this program.”
—
French President Emmanuel Macron, Choose Europe for Science Event/Paris, May 5,
2025
America’s
shores are experiencing a huge sucking sound as one of the biggest brain drains
of modern history hits the country’s best, smartest, heading for Europe on
grants, as smiles abound across the pond. European leaders are pinching
themselves, unable to believe such good fortune falling into their laps, thanks
to the Trump administration “freezing” government funding linked to “diversity,
equity, and inclusion initiatives.”
The EU has
officially launched a drive to attract scientists and researchers that America
is discarding by the bucketful, see:
“Europe Launches a Drive to Attract Scientists and Researchers AfterTrump Freezes U.S. Funding,” AP News, May 5, 2025.
This is an
extraordinary shrinking of America’s IQ in so many ways that a full
understanding is nearly impossible, but it is only too obvious that deliberate
destruction of science is the product of a bruised/intimidated mentality that’s
seeking payback. There is no other logical explanation.
The EU is
licking its chops over this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. According to EU
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, while on stage at Sorbonne
University, the EU Executive Branch has already decided to set up a “super
grant” program, aimed at “longer-term perspective to the very best in the
field.”
Essentially,
the EU is cherry-picking some of America’s best brain power. To accomplish this
phenomenal opportunity, the Commission is authorizing additional funding of
$566 million in 2025-2027, making Europe “a magnet for researchers.” This
funding is in addition to the European Research Council’s budget of $18 billion
for 2021-2027. Moreover, the EU will “enshrine freedom of scientific research
into law” via a new enactment. Europe will not compromise on its long-standing
principles of academic freedom.
Above and
beyond the EU, according to President Macron, France has also beefed-up
commitments to science and research to capitalize on America’s ‘fired’
scientists. France has launched a platform for reception of international
researchers: Choose France for Science. President Macron officially christened
the platform:
“Here in France, research is a priority, innovation a culture,
science a limitless horizon. Men and women researchers from all over the world,
choose France, choose Europe.”
So far, the
U.S. has cut 380 grant projects and thousands of university researchers have
been notified that their National Science Foundation funding is canceled, but
they know where to turn. Backlash has resulted as doctors, scientists, and
researchers hit the streets in “Stand Up for Science” rallies across the
country. Astronomy Professor Phil Platt, addressing a crowd, said: “We’re
looking at the most aggressively anti-science government the United States has
ever had.” UPenn climate scientists Michael Mann: “Science is under siege.”
Bill Nye the Science Guy hit the bull’s eye, rhetorically challenging the
forces of government: “What are you afraid of?” which may become the rallying
cry of opposition throughout the land.
Professionals
agree that science has been in the midst of enormous achievements to make lives
better than ever, but according to senior staff members of the National
Institutes of Health, funding cuts will seriously damage or eliminate major
progress on key, very significant, programs for Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and
cancer, as examples. Unfortunately, this will negatively impact tens of
millions of Americans for years to come.
Since World War
II, the U.S. has been recognized as a world leader in science and technology.
Now, that enviable position is swirling around the drain. According to several
key federal workers who spoke at a recent MIT Technology Review, America’s
world leadership is literally being dismantled before our eyes. These are
research programs that backstop American life. “The U.S. took nearly a century
to craft its rich scientific ecosystem; if the unraveling that has taken place
over the past month continues, Americans will feel the effects for decades to
come.” (“The Foundations of America’s Prosperity Are Being Dismantled,” MIT
Technology Review, Feb. 21, 2025)
According to a
recent article in The Hill, March 2, 2025: “The administration has issued a
multi-pronged, anti-science attack on the health sciences. Possibly the most
destructive is the recent slashing of research funding for both NIH and the National Science Foundation.” Here’s
what’s at stake:
“In 2024, NIH provided more than $37 billion in funding across
every state, creating more than 400,000 jobs and generating $92 billion ineconomic activity. This funding is used for laboratory research, research
centers and, most importantly, the education of trainees, the next generation
of scientists. Trainees greatly contribute to the research and discoveries even
while they are in training.”
If $37 billion
in funding produces $92 billion “in economic activity” and “supports 400.000
jobs,” what’s up with destroying a greater than 2-for-1 return on investment?
What’s missing from this equation, or is it simply a matter of looney-tunes,
not knowing which way is up? Study after study after study, and more studies,
prove that governmental funding of science generates returns in-excess of what
private enterprise achieves. For example, governmental science funding played
the crucial leading role in creation of the internet. What’s that worth?
It should be
widely recognized and brought to the public’s attention that so much is wrong,
so much at stake with anti-science rhetoric, recklessly cutting science
budgets, elimination of entire programs, and loud-mouthed threats, demoralizing
the public about science. It’s difficult to know how to respond, and of course,
this is the intention behind the rapidity of a well-orchestrated blind-siding
all parties, unable to collect ones’ thoughts type of assault on major, hugely
productive governmental programs that protect life. This type of assault is
comparable to a Panzer Division Blitzkrieg. Nobody has enough time to react.
What’s the
impact of Blitzkriegs demolishing science? According to an article in Science,
May 2, 2025: “Trump’s Proposed Budget Would Mean ‘Disastrous’ Cuts to Science.”
For those interested, this article delineates agencies subject to cuts.
Meanwhile, the brain drain is in full throttle motion. Of interest, an article
in the prestigious science journal Nature, March 25, 2025: A poll found that
75% of 1,600 respondents, including 1,200 U.S. scientists said: “Yes, they are
looking for jobs in Europe and Canada.” And there’s considerable anecdotal
evidence that current post-graduates are looking overseas.
And there’s
this: “Trump Proposed Unprecedented Budget Cuts to U.S. Science,” Nature, May
2, 2025:
“Huge reductions, if enacted, could have ‘catastrophic’ effects on
U.S. competitiveness and scientific pipeline… The message that this sends to
young scientists is that this country is not a place for you,’ says Michael
Lubell, a physicist who tracks science policy at the City University of New
York in New York City. ‘If I were starting my career, I would be out of here in
a heartbeat.”
The word is
out. Scientists will find opportunities galore. Science has never been more
sought after in Europe and Canada and Australia, which ranks 5th in the world
for trust in science. After all, the world is experiencing the most exciting
era of scientific achievement of all time, and the EU intends to take over
leadership, stripping the U.S. of its 75-year crown. It’s been laid in their
lap.
Moreover,
according to the National Science Foundation, China has already overtaken
America in several key scientific metrics. Going forward, the EU has America to
thank for reinvigorating its science and technology effort more so than ever
before, as they challenge China with much more enthusiasm for top billing. The
U.S. lit their fuse, making EU science and technology great again!
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