It’s published
U.S. government spending on health surveys has hit a decade-old low, with universities pulling out of savings and hurting businesses selling lab supplies.
Researchers who pursued topics related to global health, race, gender identity, climate change, diversity, equity and inclusion have also been awarded the grant.
This led to three-quarters of US-based respondents considering leaving the country, which created an opportunity for the EU to attract researchers from the US.
“We believe diversity is an asset of humanity and science’s life. It is one of the most valuable and global commodities and must be protected,” said Ursula von der Reyen of the European Commission in a speech at the University of La Sorbonne in Paris in May.
According to Bruegel analysis, in 2024, the US accounted for 36% of highly cited researchers, compared with 21% in China and 19% in the EU (including Switzerland and Norway).
The EU holds a significant portion of its own talent, but also contributes essentially to mobile top researchers, particularly the global pool in the US.
Among highly cited researchers from Harvard University, Princeton, the University of Pennsylvania and Columbia, 7.7% received their PhD in the EU.
The majority of the US-based top research workforce is also internationally educated, with 24% of highly cited US-based researchers fully educated overseas.
What factors can encourage you to choose to leave the country?
Family ties, personal life plans, and career outlook are among the factors that can convince researchers to move the country.
However, there is still a huge pay gap between US and EU scholars.
Top researchers at the University of California can make more than $500,000 (432,300 euros) a year from $1 million (865,240 euros). In contrast, even the highest-paid professors at European best institutions, such as the University of Complutense in Madrid, Spain, usually earn less than 77,122 euros.
Initiatives such as the 500 million euros Europe aimed at adopting Europe could lead to essential changes over the long term, along with efforts to reduce barriers for international students and researchers.
For example, Provence-Aix Marseille University reported that it was “watering” after announcing the launch of its three-year Safe Place for Science program.
However, between 2022 and 2024, the most attractive destinations among US alumni who wanted to move abroad were the UK and Canada.
“Though life-changing plans take time, it’s too early to expect a massive spill from the US,” the Bruegel analysis said.
