Group 1 - Multiple federal and research institutions in the U.S. have expressed concerns over significant cuts to research funding and the dismantling of federal research agencies under the Trump administration, which they believe undermines the nation's innovation capacity and public interest [1][2] - The proposed budget for the fiscal year 2026 includes a nearly 40% reduction in the budget for the National Institutes of Health and over 50% cut for the National Science Foundation, along with substantial cuts to NASA's science budget and the cancellation of several space exploration projects [2] - There is a prevailing atmosphere of fear among researchers, with many choosing to remain anonymous when signing protest letters due to concerns about retaliation, as evidenced by reports of employees at the Environmental Protection Agency facing job actions after signing dissent statements [2] Group 2 - The protests aim to compel the government to reconsider its policy direction, although experts express skepticism about the likelihood of any substantial change in the administration's approach [2]

Core Viewpoint - A significant exodus of American researchers is occurring due to drastic cuts in research funding, leading many to consider opportunities abroad, particularly in Europe and Canada [2][10][29]. Funding Cuts - Over 75% of American researchers are contemplating leaving the U.S. due to funding shortages [2]. - The National Institutes of Health (NIH) budget has been cut by 40% [5]. - The National Science Foundation (NSF) budget has been reduced by 57% [6]. - NASA's budget has been slashed by 24%, with its scientific budget halved [7]. - Funding for various fields, including biology, engineering, and education, has seen reductions of over 70%, while computer science, mathematics, and physics have experienced cuts of 60% [9]. Talent Migration - There has been a 32% increase in American researchers applying for positions in Europe, with a 41% rise in related browsing activity [3]. - Applications for Canadian job opportunities from American researchers have also increased by 41% [3]. - The EU plans to add €500 million in budget from 2025 to 2027 to attract researchers [13]. - France's President Macron has pledged €100 million to attract international talent [13]. Impact on Chinese Recruitment - The "China Initiative" by the Trump administration has led to a significant increase in the number of Chinese scientists leaving the U.S., with nearly 20,000 departing between 2010 and 2021, and a 75% increase post-2018 [18][19]. - Many of these scientists are choosing to return to China, where research funding is increasing at over 10% annually [21]. Global Research Landscape Shift - The current situation indicates a dramatic shift in the global research landscape, with countries like Japan and institutions like the Chinese University of Hong Kong actively recruiting international talent [30][32]. - The U.S., once the center of global research, is now facing challenges in retaining its scientific community due to funding cuts and political pressures [25][28].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the significant budget cuts and funding terminations at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) under the Trump administration, highlighting the impact on research and patient health [1][2]. Group 1: NIH Budget Cuts - NIH has faced a termination of 2,100 research funding grants totaling approximately $9.5 billion since January 20, 2021, and a suspension of $2.6 billion in contracts supporting research [1]. - The White House plans to reduce U.S. healthcare spending by over 25% by 2026, with NIH's budget expected to decrease by $18 billion to $27 billion this year, representing a 40% reduction [2]. - The budget for the NIH BRAIN initiative for fiscal year 2025 is set at $320 million, down over $80 million from $400 million in fiscal year 2024, indicating a reduction of approximately 20% [2]. Group 2: Response from the Scientific Community - Over 300 current and former NIH employees, along with more than 40 external scientists including 24 Nobel laureates, signed a letter protesting the funding cuts and urging the restoration of grants that were delayed or terminated for political reasons [1]. - The NIH has established an appeals process for the termination of grants, with hundreds of appeals already submitted [1]. - Concerns have been raised regarding the safety of clinical trials, with reports of participants being abruptly withdrawn from medications and undergoing unmonitored device implants [2].

Group 1 - The NIH has faced significant budget cuts and funding terminations under the Trump administration, with 2,100 research grants totaling approximately $9.5 billion being terminated since January 20, 2021, and an additional $2.6 billion in contracts suspended [1][2] - A letter signed by over 40 external scientists, including 24 Nobel laureates, calls for the restoration of funding that has been delayed or terminated for political reasons and urges the continuation of internationally peer-reviewed research projects [1] - The NIH has established an appeals process for the termination of grants, with hundreds of appeals already submitted by affected researchers [1] Group 2 - The White House plans to reduce U.S. healthcare spending by over 25% by 2026, which includes a $18 billion cut to the NIH budget, bringing it down to $27 billion, a reduction of 40% [2] - The budget for the NIH BRAIN initiative for fiscal year 2025 is set at $320 million, which is over $80 million less than the $400 million allocated for fiscal year 2024, representing a decrease of approximately 20% [2] - Since the appointment of HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the NIH has undergone significant restructuring, resulting in nearly 5,000 NIH employees and contractors being laid off [2]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the implications of the Trump administration's policies on international students, particularly from China, and how these actions may lead to a talent drain from the U.S. to other countries, including China, which is positioning itself to attract top talent [1][5][23]. Group 1: U.S. Policy Changes - The U.S. government has begun to revoke visas for certain Chinese students, collaborating with the Department of Homeland Security to cancel the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification, which is essential for international students to obtain visas [1][3]. - A recent ruling by the U.S. International Trade Court deemed Trump's tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act illegal, potentially reducing tariffs on Chinese goods from 34% to around 12% [3][5]. - Trump's administration has targeted Harvard University, freezing $2.2 billion in research funding and threatening to limit its participation in U.S. research projects, which has led to significant backlash from educational organizations [19][20]. Group 2: Impact on Talent and Research - The policies are expected to diminish trust in the U.S. government and may deter international talent from coming to the U.S., as evidenced by a survey indicating that over 75% of U.S. researchers are considering leaving the country [5][20]. - The U.S. is experiencing a significant reduction in federal funding for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, with cuts amounting to $23 billion, which could halt many related projects [20][21]. - The article highlights that over half of the billion-dollar startups in the U.S. are founded by immigrants, with a quarter of those founders being international students [7][10]. Group 3: China's Competitive Advantages - China is leveraging its favorable research environment and policies aimed at attracting top-tier talent, including good working conditions and competitive salaries [28][32]. - China's R&D investment is rapidly increasing, projected to exceed 3.6 trillion yuan in 2024, which is double the amount from 2017, and represents 2.6% of its GDP [32][36]. - The country has become a hub for talent, with a total of 7.24 million R&D personnel, the highest in the world, and has surpassed 4 million valid invention patents [38][40]. Group 4: Global Talent Dynamics - The article suggests that the U.S. is losing its status as a talent magnet, with countries like Europe, Japan, and Singapore ready to welcome displaced U.S. students, initiating a new global talent competition [23][25]. - China's strong manufacturing base and complete industrial system provide opportunities for talent to apply their research practically, contrasting with the U.S. focus on theoretical research [41][50]. - The article concludes that the current global landscape favors countries that can attract and retain talent, with China poised to benefit significantly from the U.S.'s restrictive policies [49][52].