Denmark and Sweden Invite Misplaced US Scientists to the EU
Many US researchers are at odds with the imposition of Trump’s political agendas. EU member states are looking to take advantage.
European researchers and policy makers are actively seeking to attract American scientists in response to the political challenges facing the US scientific community. Over 1,900 US researchers have expressed concern through an open letter to US President Donald Trump, highlighting issues such as reduced funding for scientific agencies, termination of grants, defunding of laboratories, and hindrances to international collaboration. These developments have led to a pause in numerous research projects – and prompted EU member states to position themselves as a welcoming alternative for displaced American scientists.
CEO of The Danish Chamber of Commerce Brian Mikkelsen, for example, penned a rare Linked In post in English to invite US researchers to get in touch: “To all the brilliant researchers in the US feeling uncertain right now: Denmark is open – and we need you!”
He went on to add:
“In Denmark, we value science. We believe in facts. And we are proud of our strong research environments. [S]cience should not have to wait for politics to calm down.
“So, if you are a researcher looking for stability, respect for your work, and the chance to make a real impact in a place where facts still matter.
“We would love to hear from you here in Denmark.”
Elsewhere, Copenhagen Capacity has launched a global campaign to attract US and other international researchers through funding from the Novo Nordisk Foundation, the Lundbeck Foundation, and the Villum Foundation.
Remaining in Scandinavia, and in another response to the challenges faced by US scientists, Sweden's Education Minister Johan Pehrson convened a roundtable with representatives from nine leading Swedish universities and research institutions to help invite and attract American researchers and students affected by funding cuts, censorship, and ideological constraints under Trump.
The meeting included representatives from Uppsala University, Lund University, Stockholm University, Umeå University, Karolinska Institutet, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm School of Economics, and Blekinge Institute of Technology. Additionally, officials from the Swedish Research Council (Vetenskapsrådet), the Swedish Governmental Agency for Innovation Systems (Vinnova), and Technology Industries of Sweden (Teknikföretagen) participated in the discussions.
This strategic outreach aligns with broader EU efforts to address skilled labor shortages and enhance its position as a leading destination for scientific research and innovation. By offering a more supportive environment and a viable option for American researchers seeking new opportunities amidst the challenges in the US scientific landscape, EU member states appear to be reimagining themselves, reinforcing a dedication to academic freedom, and finally tapping into the well-known American penchant for innovation, and commerce.
Learn more about the Trump Administration’s imposition of tariffs and policies straight from the minds of US-based industry experts in our roundtable discussion “Biden’s Legacy; Trump’s Agenda”.
Following a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature and a Master’s in Creative Writing, I entered the world of publishing as a proofreader, working my way up to editor. The career so far has taken me to some amazing places, and I’m excited to see where I can go with Texere and The Medicine Maker.
