Radio Schuman US scholars seek refuge in Brussels after Trump’s assault on science
May 8, 2025
Jan Dankaert, the Rector at Vrije Universiteit Brussel, discusses the university's groundbreaking initiative aimed at supporting U.S. scientists feeling threatened by the recent political climate. He highlights the 'Choose Europe' program, which offers funding and resources for researchers relocating to Brussels. Dankaert dives into the broader implications for global academic collaboration and the potential migration of intellectual talent to Europe. The conversation also touches on concerns regarding scientific censorship and the evolving landscape for international students.
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Europe's Defense of Science Freedom
- Europe must uphold freedom of scientific inquiry as a core value amid global pressures.
- This principle has driven progress since the Renaissance and should be actively defended today.
VUB's Mobility Projects and US Reach
- VUB adopted projects to encourage international researcher mobility before the Trump era.
- They then strategically targeted American scientists facing US research cuts, especially in climate-focused fields.
US Science Under Political Pressure
- Scientists fear political repercussions and employ auto-censorship under the Trump administration.
- This undermines US science quality despite its historically high global esteem.