US scientists are fleeing abroad in record numbers as the Trump administration slashes research funding, according to exclusive data analysis by Nature. Applications from American researchers for international positions surged 32% between January and March 2025 compared to the same period last year, while US-based users browsing overseas jobs jumped 35%.
The exodus accelerated in March as the administration intensified science cuts, with job views spiking 68% year-over-year. Applications to Canadian institutions increased 41%, while interest from Canadians in US positions plummeted 13%.
Recent months have seen more than 200 federal HIV/AIDS research grants abruptly terminated, cuts to NIH COVID-19 funding revealed, and a $400 million reduction in research grants at Columbia University.
“To see this big drop in views and applications to the US — and the similar rise in those looking to leave — is unprecedented,” said James Richards, who leads Global Talent Solutions at Springer Nature.
European institutions are capitalizing on the talent migration. Aix-Marseille University launched its “Safe Place for Science” initiative with $17.2 million to sponsor researchers, while Germany’s Max Planck Society created a Transatlantic Program offering positions to scientists “no longer able to work in the United States.” The trend extends beyond Europe, with US-based views of Chinese science positions increasing 30% in the first quarter of 2025.
