Bruins wants to attract threatened top scientists to the Netherlands

Scientists who wish to relocate to another country due to ‘increasing tensions’ in the world are very welcome in the Netherlands, says Minister Bruins. Research funder NWO will establish a fund as soon as possible.

The details of the fund are not yet known, but Bruins is keen to announce it now. According to him, an increasing number of scientists are looking for another country to continue their careers. “It is important that they think of the Netherlands. Other European countries such as France, Germany, Spain and Belgium are also taking initiatives to attract international scientific talent.”

Last week, prime minister Schoof advised against a motion submitted by Volt to bring American scientists to the Netherlands. While he finds attracting talent a good idea, he does not agree with focusing solely on talent from the United States. The government is ‘not in favour of a strategy specifically aimed at the US’. Bruins’ letter also does not reference tensions in the US (or in other countries).

Regardless of nationality

In the coming weeks, Bruins and NWO aim to provide clarity on the fund’s costs, when it will be launched, and the conditions the scientists must meet.

The fund is explicitly not only intended for Dutch nationals currently working abroad. The scheme will be opened up to ‘international talent of the highest level, regardless of nationality’. The ambition is to attract several dozen top scientists to the Netherlands.

Brain drain

US president Trump aims to cut billions from research into subjects including climate, gender, health, and the environment. Research proposals are being scrutinised for ‘problematic language’ regarding diversity, equality, and inclusion. This is leading to a brain drain.

A French university in Marseille has already established a safe place for science: a programme that accommodates fifteen scientists from the United States. This may also include Europeans who are returning.