The “smartest minds” in the United States are being beckoned to Australia through a new talent program aimed at capitalizing on academics who have been disenfranchised by the Trump administration’s research cuts. The Australian Academy of Science has announced a global talent attraction program, warning that the nation needs to act swiftly to seize this opportunity. The academy’s president, Prof Chennupati Jagadish AC, stated that Australia has an urgent and unparalleled opportunity to attract the brightest minds leaving the United States. He emphasized that there is no time to waste, as other countries have already recognized this opportunity and are actively attracting talent to their shores.
The Trump administration’s funding freezes, cuts, and executive orders have left researchers, faculty, and leadership at US universities grappling with their effects. Donald Trump’s federal congressional budget proposes billions of dollars in funding cuts across higher education, including capping all “indirect funding” from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) at 15%. Harvard University, in particular, has come under immediate scrutiny, as Trump has threatened to withdraw federal funds after the university refused to meet certain demands from the administration.
Efforts to slash government spending have also left thousands of employees at major scientific institutions, including Nasa, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, bracing for layoffs.
In response, several European universities have established initiatives to provide a haven for the victims of political and ideological interference. The Australian program is inviting contributions from funders to support a national, coordinated effort to promote the destination to leading US scientists and returning Australians. The program will prioritize excellence and focus on areas of national need when attracting talent to the country. It is expected that these individuals will seed capability, create jobs, attract further investment, mentor young scientists, stimulate collaboration, contribute to the national economy, and shape the future of Australia.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/education/2025/apr/17/australian-academy-of-science-global-talent-attraction-program-trump-research-cuts
