Exclusive: Trump policies spark fears of brain drain, loss of U.S. dominance in biomedicine

Exclusive

Trump policies spark fears of brain drain, threatening to undermine U.S. dominance in biomedicine

By Angus Chen and Jonathan Wosen

Photo illustration: STAT; Photograph: Getty Images

A torrent of disruptive Trump administration policies is alarming scientists who fear the current political climate is weakening researchers' resolve to stick with careers in academic science. Already, the anxiety is so deep that many scientists say it could undermine the country's enduring position as the world leader in biomedicine.

In interviews with STAT, more than a dozen scientists and academics across the country expressed concern that talented young scientists may abandon academic research, which drives medical and scientific innovation, for jobs in industry or other careers. Senior scientists warned that researchers might leave the U.S. in search of more stable opportunities abroad — and STAT spoke with scientists who are considering doing exactly that.