Trump Jeopardising US Role as Scientific Leader: Nobel Officials

AFP/APP

STOCKHOLM:Nobel Prize officials have warned that former US President Donald Trump’s policies toward science could undermine the United States’ position as the world’s leading research nation, with serious global repercussions.

Since taking office in January, Trump has overseen massive cuts to research funding, attacked academic freedoms, and presided over mass layoffs of scientists across federal agencies. Critics fear these measures could trigger a “brain drain” and weaken the international exchange of knowledge.

The warnings come as Nobel Prize announcements begin next week in Stockholm and Oslo, where researchers working in the United States are once again expected to claim several awards.

US Dominance at Risk

The United States has produced more Nobel science laureates than any other country, thanks to decades of investment in basic science and academic freedoms. But that legacy is under threat, said Hans Ellegren, secretary general of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, which awards the Nobel Prizes in physics, chemistry, and economics.

“In the post-war period, the US has taken over Germany’s role as the world’s leading scientific nation. When they now start cutting research funding, it threatens the country’s position,” Ellegren told AFP.

Since January, the Ntional Institutes of Health (NIH) have terminated some 2,100 research grants worth $9.5 billion and cancelled $2.6 billion in contracts, according to the independent database Grant Watch. Projects affected include studies on gender, climate change impacts, Alzheimer’s disease, and cancer.

‘Engine of Global Research’

Thomas Perlmann, secretary general of the Nobel committee for medicine, echoed the concerns.

“It is no coincidence that the US has by far the most Nobel laureates,” he said. “But there is now a creeping sense of uncertainty about the US’ willingness to maintain their leading position in research.”

Calling the United States “the very engine” of global scientific progress, Perlmann warned: “There would be very serious consequences for research globally if it starts to falter. It doesn’t take very many years of large cutbacks to cause irreversible harm.”

Brain Drain and Global Impact

Trump’s cuts risk driving scientists abroad and discouraging a new generation of researchers, Ellegren and Perlmann said.

“There is a risk that a whole generation of young researchers will be lost,” Ellegren cautioned. He added that nationalist restrictions on academia hamper the global exchange of ideas: “Research is by nature global. Researchers have always exchanged knowledge and experiences.”

Some countries are already seeking to attract US-based scientists, while others may benefit from American researchers choosing to leave.

China Rising

The most significant rival poised to benefit is China. Ellegren noted that Beijing is pouring “unbelievable resources” into research.

“Research is an important basis for innovation and entrepreneurship. That means it could become easier for other countries to compete with the US,” he said.

Perlmann added: “You would hope that Trump doesn’t want to give a walkover to China and other countries keen to take over the leader’s jersey.”

Call for Reconsideration

If given the chance to speak directly to Trump, Ellegren said he would stress that maintaining academic freedoms and scientific funding is in America’s own interest.

“One of the reasons your country has been so successful is that researchers have been able to seek new knowledge and have good resources,” he said. “The United States has invested a lot in research in the post-war period, both privately and federally. And that is what has helped your country build its prosperity.”