Reference News Network September 30 report - According to Reuters on September 25, while the Trump administration cut funding for universities, Austria has set up a grant program that has attracted 25 "top researchers" from American institutions such as Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Princeton University.
The Austrian Academy of Sciences said on the 25th in a statement that each of the funded scholars will receive 500,000 euros over two years. They include different levels from postdoctoral researchers to professors, with research areas covering physics, chemistry, and life sciences.
Heinz Fassmann, president of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, said: "Thanks to the wave of talent influx promoted by Trump."
"We have successfully attracted these outstanding talents from the United States to Austria. They bring new ideas, new perspectives, and an international research network. This is a major gain for the Austrian scientific community," he added, but did not publicly disclose the list of funded scholars. President Donald Trump recently criticized American universities on a series of issues, such as support for Palestinian protests, transgender policies, climate action, and "diversity, equity, and inclusion" programs.
The White House stated that even with reduced funding, the United States will still hold the largest share of global research funding. Austria is one of several countries hoping to attract American university talents. In March this year, 13 European countries including France, Germany, and Spain urged the European Commission to take quick action to seize the opportunity to attract academic talents.
The funded scholars will start their research at Austrian universities or research institutions this year.
Eva-Maria Hofer-Letsch, federal minister of research of Austria and a member of the Social Democratic Party, said: "At a time when political interference and authoritarian tendencies are eroding research and teaching, we clearly state our opposition to such tendencies." (Translated by Hu Wei)
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