Bruins wants to attract scientists under threat to the Netherlands

The minister didn't share any details about the new fund, but he seems to be in a hurry, hence the announcement. He says that more and more scientists are looking to move to other countries to keep their careers going. ‘It is important that they consider the Netherlands. Other European countries such as France, Germany, Spain and Belgium are also taking initiatives to attract international scientific talent.’

Last week, the Dutch Prime Minister, Dick Schoof, recommended against a motion submitted by Volt to bring American scientists to the Netherlands. He thinks that recruiting talent is a good idea but disagrees that the Netherlands should focus on talent from the United States. 'The cabinet is not in favour of an approach specifically aimed at the US,’ he said. Bruins' letter also does not refer to tensions in the US (or any other specific country) either.

Regardless of nationality
Over the next few weeks, Bruins and NWO will clarify how much the fund will cost, when it will be launched, and the eligibility criteria. For now, the minister can already say that the fund is not only intended for Dutch people currently working abroad. Instead, it will be open to ‘top-level international talent, regardless of nationality’. The ambition is to bring several dozen top scientists to the Netherlands.

Brain drain
US President Donald Trump wants to cut billions from research into climate, gender, health and the environment, among other fields. Research applications are being screened for ‘problematic language’ regarding diversity, equality and inclusivity. All this is triggering a brain drain.

Aix Marseille University, in France, has created a safe place for science, a programme that can accommodate fifteen scientists from the United States. The programme is also open to Europeans returning from the US.