At The Outside World, our very own research center, we keep a pulse on global developments through a societal lens. As part of this mission, we’ve created The Outside World Journal—a weekly digest delivering a curated selection of the most compelling news insights with our interpretation of why this matters and what the consequences for society might be. Read the journal here.

Under the Trump administration, American universities are facing an unprecedented wave of political pressure (1). From sweeping funding cuts to ideological purges, recent actions signal a sharp escalation in attempts to control and reshape higher education. Columbia University, for example, is bracing for a $400 million federal funding cut citing the institution's alleged failure to adequately address antisemitic harassment on campus as a result of pro-Palestinian campus protests (2). Simultaneously, critical research in areas such as climate change, vaccines, gender studies, and diversity is being censored or defunded (3, 4). This crackdown has instilled widespread fear and uncertainty among scholars, particularly those engaged in politically sensitive research (5). Universities over the globe reported that there has been an increase in applications from U.S.-based researchers, who are facing an increasingly uncertain climate under the new administration (6).

Critics describe this movement as a crusade, an aggressive, systematic dismantling of academic freedom under the guise of combating “woke culture” and “leftist indoctrination” (7, 8). The rhetoric is not just symbolic; it is backed by policies that cast a chilling effect across campuses, where scholars increasingly work under surveillance and censorship. In response, European institutions are stepping up to offer refuge and preserve endangered data. For instance, Dutch universities have initiated programs to host threatened researchers and safeguard vulnerable datasets from the U.S (9).

As concerns about political influence on academia grow, urgent questions emerge. Can this be stopped? What will be the long-term consequences for global scholarship and innovation? And could Europe step in to support or safeguard the ideals of academic freedom where they are under siege?

Why academic freedom matters

Universities are essential to the kind of long-term, high-risk research that drives breakthroughs and fundamental scientific progress (10). This refers to research that explores untested ideas, uncertain outcomes, or controversial questions; work that may not yield immediate results, but has the potential to open new scientific directions. They offer both expertise and infrastructure, as well as the intellectual freedom that allows researchers to question assumptions, take risks, and pursue innovative ideas without political interference (10). When this freedom is curtailed, it threatens not only domestic scholarship, but also the global scientific ecosystem that depends on open collaboration and reliable data sharing. As explored in a recent ftrprf article on intellectual pluralism, this freedom also plays a vital role in ensuring diverse viewpoints are heard and challenged within academia which is an essential condition for meaningful progress (11).

A ripple effect

The consequences are already rippling across borders. When academic freedom is compromised in a leading scientific nation like the U.S., the consequences are global. International collaborations suffer, scholars are forced into self-censorship, and critical research can be delayed or lost entirely (12).

For instance, the U.S. government has slashed funding to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), resulting in the cancellation of over 200 grants for HIV research (13). Such major cuts jeopardize critical health studies and shake the international scientific community, which relies heavily on American leadership and infrastructure (14, 15). Meanwhile, Trump-era directives to scrub climate-related terms and datasets from federal websites have made it harder for researchers worldwide to access foundational information such as satellite data (16). As climate scientist Pier Siebesma warns, many European researchers rely heavily on U.S.-controlled datasets - particularly from NASA - for everything from weather modeling to climate change forecasting. Some started making copies of these databases out of caution, but archiving hundreds of petabytes (one petabyte is more than a million gigabytes) of data is no small task (17).

European scientists are feeling the impact as well. Many rely on U.S. research repositories and federal guidelines. American frameworks on ethical research practices and gender inclusion, once readily available online, have either vanished or been quietly reinstated without explanation (18). This inconsistency raises questions about the integrity and accessibility of scientific standards. It also poses a broader threat to international research efforts, which depend on shared knowledge, transparency, and a global baseline of academic norms.

As prominent scholars from Yale University are leaving the U.S. for the University of Toronto, it becomes clear that the erosion of academic freedom has detrimental effects on higher education and academic inquiry (19). Their decisions are similarly motivated by apprehensions regarding the current political climate in the U.S., citing deep concerns over political interference in academia.

Europe as a sanctuary for science

In response to escalating political interference and funding cuts affecting academic freedom in the United States, European institutions are actively positioning themselves as sanctuaries for displaced researchers. The European Research Council (ERC) has notably doubled its relocation allowance for researchers moving to the EU, increasing the support from €1 million to €2 million to cover eligible start-up costs at European host institutions (20). This initiative aims to attract top-tier talent facing challenges in their home countries, reinforcing Europe's commitment to academic freedom and innovation.​

National governments and academic institutions are also stepping up. The Dutch Research Council (NWO), together with the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW), is establishing a multi-million euro national fund specifically designed to attract and support international researchers (21). This government-backed initiative recognizes that academic talent is both a scientific and economic asset. In addition, Dutch universities have already begun offering refuge to threatened scholars and are actively working to preserve sensitive research data (22). Elsewhere in Europe, Aix-Marseille University in France has launched a program to host American researchers at risk, offering rapid visa support, full funding, and integration into research teams (23).

These concrete actions show how Europe is not only defending academic freedom but also strengthening its position in the global research landscape. By welcoming scholars whose work is under threat, European countries can attract expertise that contributes directly to pressing societal challenges. In the Netherlands, Professor Herman Russchenberg of TU Delft advocates for a €5 million national fund to bring displaced researchers from the U.S. to Dutch institutions, with a focus on climate science, public health, and critical raw materials, which are areas essential to national resilience (24). Moreover, as Dutch minister of OCW Eppo Bruins put it, knowledge and innovation from top researchers are crucial not only for economic competitiveness but also for strengthening national autonomy (25). In this context, Europe’s response is more than an act of solidarity, it is a strategic investment in its scientific and societal future (26).

To fully seize the opportunity of becoming a leader in the global research landscape, Europe must look beyond short-term support and create lasting conditions for academic freedom and innovation. Hosting researchers and protecting endangered data is essential - but it is not enough. Safeguarding academic freedom in the long term also requires critically examining the health of Europe’s own research climate, including addressing internal pressures on academic autonomy and ensuring that institutions are examples of integrity and openness. In the Netherlands, for instance, this reflection is happening in parallel with proposals to attract international researchers, even as national discussions continue around budget cuts to higher education. This tension highlights an even broader challenge: drawing in global talent while ensuring stable, well-supported conditions for research at home.

Meeting such challenges requires structural changes. This means not only safeguarding researchers and data, but also future-proofing the research ecosystem itself: by diversifying funding sources, forging stronger partnerships with the private sector, and actively participating in international policy dialogues, European institutions can build a more robust and autonomous foundation for science (27).

A call to futureproof academic freedom

Science thrives on openness, stability, and collaboration. If these values are under siege in one part of the world, they must be fortified elsewhere. European institutions have already begun responding to this challenge. By offering sanctuary, funding, and research infrastructure to displaced scholars, and by recognizing this moment as both a moral responsibility and a strategic opportunity, In doing so, they are helping to preserve the continuity of global science (28). Through targeted relocation funding, new national support programs, and data preservation initiatives, countries like the Netherlands and France are actively creating space for displaced scholars. These efforts not only protect individuals by offering them a safe academic environment and continued access to funding and infrastructure, but also safeguard vital research networks and knowledge systems.

If access to key resources becomes fragmented or politicized, global research could suffer long-term setbacks, particularly in areas subject to political debate, such as climate change, gender equality, and inclusivity. Europe must not only continue sharing and protecting knowledge, but also invest in its own capacity to lead in fields like climate science, public health, and sustainable innovation. If we want the next generation of breakthroughs in medicine, sustainability, and social justice to emerge unimpeded, we must shield academia from political winds. Shall we?

This article is part of The Outside World, ftrprf’s very own research center.

For organizations, it’s pivotal to thoroughly understand what is happening in society. We help companies generate comprehensive insights into societal change and its potential effects on their strategy and operations, both negative and positive. With actionable societal insights, courageous plans, and a can-do mentality, we connect the outside world to your company's strategy. For these outside-world insights, we use a rigorous methodology that includes data processing, quantitative and qualitative analysis, and a thorough review process to ensure the accuracy and consistency of our findings.

For more information, please contact theoutsideworld@ftrprf.com.

Sources:

1. Patel, Vimal. 2025. “More Universities Are Choosing to Stay Neutral on the Biggest Issues.” The New York Times, March 11, 2025. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/11/us/institutional-neutrality-universities-free-speech.html.
2. Closson, Troy. 2025. “Columbia Agrees to Trump’s Demands After Federal Funds Are Stripped.” The New York Times, March 21, 2025. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/21/nyregion/columbia-response-trump-demands.html.
3. Bal, Elleke, and Cato Bruinewoud. 2025. “Trump zaagt aan de stoelpoten van de wetenschap. Ook Nederlandse onderzoekers hebben daar last van.” NRC, March 21, 2025. https://www.trouw.nl/wetenschap/trump-zaagt-aan-de-stoelpoten-van-de-wetenschap-ook-nederlandse-onderzoekers-hebben-daar-last-van~b6e5b734/.
4. Porter, Catherine. 2025. “As Trump’s Policies Worry Scientists, France and Others Put Out a Welcome Mat.” The New York Times, March 25, 2025. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/25/europe-trump-science-research.html.
5. Aan De Brugh, Marcel, and Sjoerd De Jong. 2025. “Nederlandse Universiteiten Bieden Onderdak Aan Bange Onderzoekers En Bedreigde Gegevens Uit De VS.” NRC, March 19, 2025. https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2025/03/19/nederlandse-universiteiten-bieden-onderdak-aan-bange-onderzoekers-en-bedreigde-gegevens-uit-de-vs-a4886902.
6. Offord, Catherine. 2025. “Overseas universities see opportunity in U.S. ‘brain drain’.” Science, March 17, 2025. https://www.science.org/content/article/overseas-universities-see-opportunity-u-s-brain-drain.
7. Jong-Fast, Molly. 2025. “Trump’s Assault Demands a United Front.” Vanity Fair, March 17, 2025. https://www.vanityfair.com/news/story/trumps-assault-demands-a-united-front.
8. Aan De Brugh, Marcel, and Sjoerd De Jong. 2025. “Nederlandse Universiteiten Bieden Onderdak Aan Bange Onderzoekers En Bedreigde Gegevens Uit De VS.” NRC, March 19, 2025. https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2025/03/19/nederlandse-universiteiten-bieden-onderdak-aan-bange-onderzoekers-en-bedreigde-gegevens-uit-de-vs-a4886902.
9. Ibid.
10. Raff-Heinen, Stefan, and Fiona E. Murray. 2025. “Don’t Quit The Long Game.” Science 388(6742): 9. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.adx8118.
11. Verhoeven, Bregje. 2025. “Intellectual Pluralism: Fostering Environments Where Opposing Views Can Coexist.” ftrprf. February 18, 2025. https://ftrprf.com/articles/intellectual-pluralism-fostering-environments-where-opposing-views-can-coexist
12. Porter, Catherine. 2025. “As Trump’s Policies Worry Scientists, France and Others Put Out a Welcome Mat.” The New York Times, March 25, 2025. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/25/europe-trump-science-research.html.
13. Rodriguez, Mathew. 2025. “Under Trump and RFK Jr., NIH Has Canceled More Than 200 Grants That Fund HIV Research.” Them, April 1, 2025. https://www.them.us/story/national-institutes-of-health-200-grants-canceled-hiv-research.
14. NM, Albuquerque Journal. 2025. “OPINION: Cutting-edge Biomedical Research Requires a Robust Scientific Infrastructure.” Yahoo News, March 24, 2025. https://www.yahoo.com/news/opinion-opinion-cutting-edge-biomedical-030600900.html.
15. Bal, Elleke, and Cato Bruinewoud. 2025. “Trump zaagt aan de stoelpoten van de wetenschap. Ook Nederlandse onderzoekers hebben daar last van.” NRC, March 21, 2025. https://www.trouw.nl/wetenschap/trump-zaagt-aan-de-stoelpoten-van-de-wetenschap-ook-nederlandse-onderzoekers-hebben-daar-last-van~b6e5b734/.
16. Klein, Charlotte. 2025. “Paniek Bij Klimaatonderzoek Door Trump: ‘Alles Weer Opbouwen Duurt 10 Jaar.’” NOS. February 15, 2025. https://nos.nl/collectie/13871/artikel/2555921-paniek-bij-klimaatonderzoek-door-trump-alles-weer-opbouwen-duurt-10-jaar.
17. Bal, Elleke, and Cato Bruinewoud. 2025. “Trump zaagt aan de stoelpoten van de wetenschap. Ook Nederlandse onderzoekers hebben daar last van.” NRC, March 21, 2025. https://www.trouw.nl/wetenschap/trump-zaagt-aan-de-stoelpoten-van-de-wetenschap-ook-nederlandse-onderzoekers-hebben-daar-last-van~b6e5b734/.
18. Venhuizen, Gemma, Karlijn Saris, and Sander Voormolen. 2025. “Trumps wetenschapsbeleid biedt nieuwe kansen voor Europa (al zijn het er weinig).” NRC Onbehaarde Apen. March 5, 2025. https://open.spotify.com/episode/1vBs4xGpDa2MPlJMf69leF?si=6243fdfa88c545ed.
19. Braun, Stuart. 2025. “‘A Scary Place’ — Jason Stanley on Leaving Trump’s America.” Deutsche Welle, April 4, 2025. https://www.dw.com/en/a-scary-place-jason-stanley-on-leaving-trumps-america/a-72139576.
20. Hernández-Morales, Aitor, Giedrė Peseckytė, and Pieter Haeck. 2025. “Europe to Burned American Scientists: We’ll Take You In.” POLITICO, April 4, 2025. https://www.politico.eu/article/europe-exploit-dunald-trump-brain-drain-academic-research-progressive-institutions/.
21. Beiboer, Jildou. 2025. “Ministerie van OCW tuigt fonds op om internationale wetenschappers te werven.” Het Financieele Dagblad, March 20, 2025. https://fd.nl/politiek/1549437/ministerie-van-ocw-tuigt-fonds-op-om-internationale-wetenschappers-te-werven.
22. Aan De Brugh, Marcel, and Sjoerd De Jong. 2025. “Nederlandse Universiteiten Bieden Onderdak Aan Bange Onderzoekers En Bedreigde Gegevens Uit De VS.” NRC, March 19, 2025. https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2025/03/19/nederlandse-universiteiten-bieden-onderdak-aan-bange-onderzoekers-en-bedreigde-gegevens-uit-de-vs-a4886902.
23. Jack, Andrew. 2025. “American Academics Seek Exile as Trump Attacks Universities.” Financial Times, March 31, 2025. https://www.ft.com/content/541b1796-e747-46de-ac64-55264f298061.
24. Aan De Brugh, Marcel, and Sjoerd De Jong. 2025. “Nederlandse Universiteiten Bieden Onderdak Aan Bange Onderzoekers En Bedreigde Gegevens Uit De VS.” NRC, March 19, 2025. https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2025/03/19/nederlandse-universiteiten-bieden-onderdak-aan-bange-onderzoekers-en-bedreigde-gegevens-uit-de-vs-a4886902.
25. Beiboer, Jildou. 2025. “Ministerie van OCW tuigt fonds op om internationale wetenschappers te werven.” Het Financieele Dagblad, March 20, 2025. https://fd.nl/politiek/1549437/ministerie-van-ocw-tuigt-fonds-op-om-internationale-wetenschappers-te-werven.
26. Brussels Reporter. 2025. “Europe’s Strategic Plan to Attract U.S. Researchers Amid Trump-era Challenges.” April 3, 2025. https://brusselsreporter.com/brussels/2025/europes-strategic-plan-attract-researchers/.
27. Raff-Heinen, Stefan, and Fiona E. Murray. 2025. “Don’t Quit The Long Game.” Science 388(6742): 9. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.adx8118.
28. Jack, Andrew. 2025. “American Academics Seek Exile as Trump Attacks Universities.” Financial Times, March 31, 2025. https://www.ft.com/content/541b1796-e747-46de-ac64-55264f298061.