In response to the Trump administration’s deep cuts to research budgets and dismantling of science agencies, countries worldwide are launching initiatives to attract US research talent. The European Research Council has doubled its start-up funding for researchers moving to Europe, while the European Commission has announced a €500 million programme to make Europe a magnet for researchers. Other nations, including Canada, Australia, and China, are also offering enhanced funding opportunities and programmes to woo scientists.
Forecast for 6 months: Expect a significant increase in the number of US researchers moving to Europe, with the European Research Council’s enhanced funding programme attracting a minimum of 500 new researchers. This influx will lead to a surge in collaborative research projects between European and US scientists, resulting in groundbreaking discoveries and innovations.
Forecast for 1 year: As more countries join the talent-attraction initiatives, the global research community will witness a shift in the balance of power, with Europe emerging as a leading hub for research and innovation. The European Commission’s €500 million programme will have a profound impact, attracting top researchers from around the world and establishing Europe as a magnet for scientific talent.
Forecast for 5 years: The US brain drain will continue, with an estimated 20% of US researchers moving abroad by 2028. This will lead to a significant decline in US research output, while Europe and other nations will experience a surge in research productivity and innovation. The global research community will become increasingly interconnected, with collaborative projects and partnerships becoming the norm.
Forecast for 10 years: By 2033, the global research community will have undergone a fundamental transformation, with Europe and other nations emerging as leaders in research and innovation. The US will struggle to regain its position as a global research powerhouse, while the European Research Council and other organisations will have established themselves as premier funders of research. The world will witness a new era of scientific collaboration and innovation, driven by the global research community’s desire for knowledge and discovery.
