Core Points - Japan has two new Nobel laureates, Shimon Sakaguchi in Physiology or Medicine and Akira Yoshino in Chemistry, which has sparked both celebration and concern regarding the country's ability to retain top research talent [1][3][6] - The recognition of these awards highlights the urgent need for Japan to address the issues of research funding, job security, and institutional rigidity that are driving talented researchers abroad, particularly to China [1][4][7] Group 1: Nobel Prize Winners - Shimon Sakaguchi's research on regulatory T cells has been pivotal in maintaining immune system balance, and he received significant support from the American scientific community [3][6] - Akira Yoshino's contributions to chemistry have also been recognized, but the overall environment for research in Japan is seen as lacking compared to other countries [1][6] Group 2: Challenges in Japanese Research - Japan's research output has significantly declined, with its ranking in high-quality paper publications dropping from 4th in 2000 to 12th in 2020, while China has risen to the top position [7][8] - The lack of stable research funding and job security is a major issue, with many scientists forced to leave their positions after temporary contracts [7][8] - Japanese researchers are increasingly attracted to opportunities in China due to better funding, salaries, and research conditions, which are often superior to those offered by Japanese institutions [6][9] Group 3: Government and Institutional Response - There is a call for the Japanese government to take immediate action to prevent talent loss and to strengthen the foundation of scientific research [4][8] - Concerns have been raised about the potential military applications of research being conducted by Japanese scientists who move to China, as there are fewer restrictions on such research in China compared to Japan [9]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the significant talent drain from the U.S. scientific community due to budget cuts and restrictive immigration policies under the Trump administration, leading to increased recruitment efforts in China and Europe for top researchers [1][4]. Group 1: Talent Drain and Recruitment Trends - The number of international scholars applying for U.S. graduate or postdoctoral positions has sharply declined since Trump's administration, while applications from U.S. postdocs and graduates for overseas positions have surged [1][4]. - Data from "Nature Careers" indicates a 32% increase in U.S. scientists applying for overseas positions from January to March 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, with a 35% rise in domestic users browsing overseas job listings [4]. - In March 2025, the browsing volume for overseas positions increased by 68% year-over-year, reflecting the growing interest in international opportunities [4]. Group 2: Impact on U.S. Research Institutions - The U.S. scientific system, which has historically relied on international talent, is facing a crisis as federal budget cuts and tightened immigration policies undermine its foundational support [4][10]. - A significant portion of researchers in key fields, such as defense, engineering, and life sciences, are international, with many now seeking opportunities abroad, leading to a potential loss of 30% of the workforce in some departments [10][11]. - Concerns are raised about the isolation of the U.S. from the international scientific community, as foreign scientists are increasingly reluctant to come to the U.S., affecting events and collaborations [10][11]. Group 3: Global Competition for Talent - Other countries, particularly China, are providing more stable career development opportunities for early-career scientists, which may attract top talent away from the U.S. [11]. - The U.S. National Academy of Sciences expresses concern that the current restructuring of the U.S. innovation engine may lead to a significant disadvantage compared to countries like China, which are not cutting their research budgets [11].