Survey by Nature: Around 75% of U.S. Scientists Consider Departing
Nature survey: Approximately 75% of U.S.
TroibNews 
A recent survey by the esteemed British scientific journal Nature reveals that around 75 percent of U.S. scientists surveyed are contemplating leaving the country due to disruptions in their future career plans caused by the current U.S. administration.
Nature reports that the survey, launched earlier this month, was distributed through the journal's website, social media channels, and email. It posed questions to respondents about whether recent policy changes in the U.S. research sector under the current administration had led them to consider relocating internationally.
The findings show that out of more than 1,600 U.S. scientists who participated, over 1,200—approximately 75 percent—are thinking about leaving the U.S., with many citing disruptions attributed to U.S. President Donald Trump. Among their preferred destinations for relocation are Europe and Canada.
The survey further emphasizes that this trend is particularly evident among early-career researchers. Out of 690 postgraduate researchers who responded, 548 are planning to seek research opportunities outside the U.S. In addition, 255 out of 340 PhD students indicated a similar intention.
Nature highlights that the main drivers behind this relocation consideration include significant budget cuts to research funding and the halting of numerous federally funded scientific initiatives, part of a cost-reduction strategy led by Elon Musk.
In light of ongoing challenges, tens of thousands of federal employees, including numerous scientists, have experienced layoffs and subsequent reinstatements following a court order, with additional job cuts expected. Furthermore, strict immigration policies and continuing debates around academic freedom have fostered an environment of uncertainty and instability, further complicating the U.S. research landscape.
Mathilde Moreau for TROIB News
Nature reports that the survey, launched earlier this month, was distributed through the journal's website, social media channels, and email. It posed questions to respondents about whether recent policy changes in the U.S. research sector under the current administration had led them to consider relocating internationally.
The findings show that out of more than 1,600 U.S. scientists who participated, over 1,200—approximately 75 percent—are thinking about leaving the U.S., with many citing disruptions attributed to U.S. President Donald Trump. Among their preferred destinations for relocation are Europe and Canada.
The survey further emphasizes that this trend is particularly evident among early-career researchers. Out of 690 postgraduate researchers who responded, 548 are planning to seek research opportunities outside the U.S. In addition, 255 out of 340 PhD students indicated a similar intention.
Nature highlights that the main drivers behind this relocation consideration include significant budget cuts to research funding and the halting of numerous federally funded scientific initiatives, part of a cost-reduction strategy led by Elon Musk.
In light of ongoing challenges, tens of thousands of federal employees, including numerous scientists, have experienced layoffs and subsequent reinstatements following a court order, with additional job cuts expected. Furthermore, strict immigration policies and continuing debates around academic freedom have fostered an environment of uncertainty and instability, further complicating the U.S. research landscape.
Mathilde Moreau for TROIB News
Discover more Science and Technology news updates in TROIB Sci-Tech
