European universities recruit US researchers facing funding cuts

European universities are reaching out to US researchers facing challenges under the Trump administration. They are promoting opportunities for those affected by funding cuts and ideological restrictions on research. Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) in Belgium is one of the schools actively recruiting American scholars. The rector, Jan Danckaert, expressed the university's duty to support their colleagues in the US, who are experiencing a loss of funding for many projects. This initiative is part of a growing trend among European institutions responding to the difficult conditions in America. In the US, numerous researchers have been laid off or are at risk of losing their jobs due to budget cuts. Agencies like NASA and the CDC are facing significant financial challenges. Moreover, the US government has been targeting research that touches on diversity, vaccines, and climate issues. These actions have fueled concerns about freedom in academic research. In France, the Pasteur Institute is already seeking researchers from the US, particularly in fields related to infectious diseases. The director, Yasmine Belkaid, noted there are many inquiries from scientists who feel unable to conduct their research freely in the US. Several European countries, including the Netherlands, are stepping up efforts to attract scientists. The Dutch education minister announced plans for a new fund to bring in international researchers. Meanwhile, Aix-Marseille University has set up a program called "Safe Place for Science" to provide funding and support for over two dozen US researchers. Since launching their program, Aix-Marseille University has received around 100 applications, including interest from researchers at Yale, NASA, and Stanford. The president of the university, Éric Berton, emphasized the need for more institutions to offer safe spaces. At VUB, the 12 available postdoctoral positions relate to the broader impact of US policies on research collaboration. The initiative has a symbolic statement, especially after Trump's past remarks about Brussels. Overall, these actions reflect a significant move by European universities to welcome displaced researchers from the US.