Germany Invites Disgruntled U.S. Researchers to Come to Europe

A change of presidential administrations in the United States has resulted in dramatic changes to government-funded medical and scientific research priorities. After returning to the White House, President Trump’s administration has cut funding for certain areas of research, resulting in an abrupt end to the research projects of many scientists. And Europe clearly sees this as an opportunity.

The U.S. has long been the envy of the world in many scientific fields, and American researchers have produced many of the world’s most advanced technologies and breakthroughs. In a forward-thinking move, European nations are working to persuade newly disgruntled U.S. scientists to work in Europe. As Germany’s former Minister of Education and Research observed, Germany needs to become “an attractive destination country for those who can no longer work there [in the U.S.]” (German Foreign Policy, March 19, 2025). As a recent article in Politico stated, “From universities to cities, regions, countries and now the European Commission, the message is loud and clear—Europe welcomes U.S.-based talent and is pulling out all the stops to attract America’s best and brightest” (April 4, 2025). Independent European universities are offering millions of euros to incoming U.S. researchers and the EU has pledged 500 million euros for science and research funding (Deutsche Welle, May 5, 2025)—at a time when the economies of many EU nations are struggling. After World War II, scientists immigrating to the United States helped turn the nation into the scientific powerhouse it is today; in the years ahead, a reversal of this process could propel Europe to the top once again scientifically (Politico, April 17, 2025)—and even militarily and economically.

Europe may appear to be foundering, but its future will be world-altering. To learn more, you can watch our prescient telecast “America’s Fall and Europe’s Rise.”