A recent Nature poll reveals that three-quarters of responding US scientists are contemplating leaving the country amid major disruptions in the research landscape under the current administration.
Out of approximately 1,650 scientists who participated in the survey, over 1,200 indicated they are considering relocating, with Europe and Canada emerging as preferred destinations. The exodus consideration appears particularly strong among early-career researchers - nearly 80% of postgraduate researchers and 75% of PhD students who responded expressed intentions to leave.
The poll results come in the wake of widespread changes affecting the US research community, including funding cuts and extensive layoffs of federal employees in the scientific sector. While some affected workers were later rehired following court intervention, the uncertainty continues to impact the research environment.
Many scientists looking to relocate are targeting countries where they have existing professional networks or personal connections. Some international researchers working in the US indicated plans to return to their home countries.
A graduate student in plant genomics, who lost research support after funding cuts to the US Agency for International Development, shared her experience: "This is my home - I really love my country. But a lot of my mentors have been telling me to get out, right now." She is now actively seeking opportunities in Europe, Australia, and Mexico.
The situation appears particularly challenging for early-career scientists. One respondent noted that while established principal investigators might weather the current climate, early-career researchers face critical career moments amid the upheaval.
The survey was conducted through Nature's website, social media channels, and email newsletter, gathering responses from scientists across various disciplines and career stages.