And not everyone is leaving. Many scientists are choosing to stay, searching for new sources of research funding or pivoting to jobs in industry.
But the erosion of reputation and the talent drain may not be over. The Trump administration has cut or frozen up to $174 billion in federal grants since the president’s second term began, according to a tracking tool released by the States United Democracy Center and the organization Grant Witness. And a proposed rule from the Office of Management and Budget could give political appointees more control over what future projects are funded. A resolution approved by Congress has delayed a final decision on the rule until December.
Scientists who have moved away and those still in the U.S. are worried about what’s left behind. They say the next generation of scientists may struggle with fewer graduate programs, money and mentorship — and it could take a decade or longer for the U.S. scientific enterprise to truly feel those effects.
Major research institutions accepted 15% fewer applicants for fall 2026 doctoral programs compared to last year, according to admissions data collected by the Association of American Universities. One of the students impacted was a mentee of Smith’s.
I’m getting a bit sick of this trope.
The entire planet spent about $60B a year on biomedical research. $38B was spent in the US. After than was gutted, G7 did nothing to fill the gap.
So, sorry, the idea that scientists will move away to do research is just ignorant. Research takes money, and most countries are funding research proposals with 10% success rates or less. To industry? VC has also dried up.
Plenty of billions for submarines and tanks.
Everyone on Lemmy who left the USA in the last 10 years raise a hand. ✋
Must be nice being rich enough, the rest of us poors will be getting executed by ICE.
Who would say no free brain drain from the US or Russia or Iran or whatever.
Researchers don’t like ugah ugah so they can come to Europe as long as things are normal here. Admittedly it’s written in the stars how long before we degenerate here as well.
as long as things are normal here
Next year will definitely be interesting.
I don’t want interesting! I want boring, same old but a bit better every year!
That has literally never existed in the last century, you have just been convinced otherwise by people who are intentionally ignoring history
We are a species doomed to an existence of war and death.
But by god, billionaires can have a jumping car. USA! USA!
You think Elon stole this research money?
Why wouldn’t he? He loves stealing everything, including little children’s virginities on Epstein island
