The US is facing a wave of "brain drain".

Once a leading destination for academia, the United States is witnessing a mass exodus of scientists, scholars, engineers, and research professionals.

President Donald Trump's policies: "The last straw"

A series of recent tough policies by the Trump administration has shaken the research community and American universities. The federal government has cut research funding across a range of fields, particularly funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the world's largest funder of biomedical research. Many crucial research projects related to HIV/AIDS, Covid-19, and cancer have had their funding cut midway, disrupting research and leaving scientists vulnerable. To date, mass layoffs have occurred at organizations such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the National Science Foundation (NSF), the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Professor Xiao Wu (Columbia University) said that the abrupt cancellation of his first NIH grant made him fearful about his career stability and future in the field, feeling as if he were "forced to leave American academic institutions." A $4.2 million grant for another research group from Columbia University was also terminated after only three months of operation.

In addition to cutting funding, the U.S. government is also targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Canadian researchers applying for U.S. funding are now required to certify that their projects do not contain any "DEI" elements. Some federal agencies are required to remove terms such as "diversity," "gender," and "climate science " from their websites.

Political interference in the academic environment has also become more apparent. The federal government is putting pressure on universities like Harvard and Columbia following incidents related to protests and free speech. Harvard became the first university to sue the Trump administration after facing the risk of funding cuts if it did not comply with government demands. President Trump publicly called Harvard a "threat to democracy" and a "far-left, anti-Semitic organization."

International students face difficulties.

Immigration and visa policies also create obstacles for international students and scholars. Many students are denied visas or deported for offenses such as illegal parking or speeding. Hundreds of visas are revoked abruptly. The fear of not being able to return to the US if they leave leaves many international students feeling insecure. This situation negatively impacts the ability to attract international talent, a long-standing strength of the American education system.

In response to this new situation, many scholars at prestigious American educational institutions have decided to relocate. Professor Jason Stanley (Yale University) moved to teach at the University of Toronto (Canada); two other Yale historians made similar moves; Valerie Niemann, a chemical engineer, left Stanford University for Switzerland.

According to a survey by the journal Nature, 75% of American scientists surveyed said they are considering leaving the United States. The number of applications from the US for research positions abroad increased from 32% to 41% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. At the same time, the number of applications from Europe to US research institutions decreased by 41%.

The underlying cause

The Atlantic argues that while Trump's policies are a key factor driving the current shift, the phenomenon of "anti-intellectualism" and the challenges to academics in the US are not new.

According to journalist Ibram X. Kendi, academics from minority groups, people of color, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and working-class backgrounds are often not treated equally within academia. They are forced to maintain an "objective," "neutral" stance, avoiding expressing personal or political opinions if they want to advance. Many are excluded from the system and their reputations tarnished for "not conforming to mainstream views."

Opportunities for Canada and Europe

While the US is losing its appeal, many other countries are scrambling to capitalize on the opportunity. Canada is seen as an ideal destination due to its geographical proximity, cultural similarities, and prestigious universities. The Canadian province of Quebec, with its guaranteed academic freedom provisions in its legislation, is actively recruiting scholars from the US. The percentage of US science applicants for positions in Canada increased by 41% from January to March 2025 compared to the same period last year.

Europe is also stepping up policies to attract talent. Aix-Marseille University (France) launched a "Where Science Is Safe" program to recruit American scientists, attracting more than 50 applications within weeks, 70% of which came from the US. The French Minister of Research publicly called on universities to open their doors to scholars from the US. Germany, the country that attracts the most international students in the European Union (EU), is also seeing an increase in applications from the US. The country's Max Planck Institute has also received requests from several American researchers wishing to stay in Germany longer than planned. Other countries such as the UK, Australia, and China are also seeking to capitalize on this opportunity to attract American talent.

However, in Canada, the government is tightening immigration policies, and some universities and colleges have had to cut staff and cancel programs. In Europe, cuts in public spending in some countries are threatening the development model of higher education. Without comprehensive reforms in subsidies, salaries, and academic policies, the brain drain from Canada and Europe may remain just potential.

The "brain drain" is raising serious questions about America's position in the global academic system. The loss of top researchers not only impacts innovation capabilities but also weakens America's international influence in science, technology, and education.

Source: https://phunuvietnam.vn/my-doi-mat-lan-song-chay-mau-chat-xam-20250513110728354.htm