A Wave of Dismay: Trump’s Policies Spark International Concern

The scientific community is grappling with unease following Donald Trump’s return to the White House. A series of policy changes are perceived as direct attacks on scientific research, including critically important budget cuts, programme dismantling, and mass layoffs. these actions have triggered widespread condemnation that extends far beyond the borders of the United States.

Universities across Switzerland are closely monitoring the situation, fearing potential disruptions to transatlantic scientific collaborations. The implications of these policies could have far-reaching consequences for global research initiatives.

EPFL President Voices “Sadness,” Rejects Exploitation of Crisis

Anna Fontcuberta I Morral, the newly appointed president of EPFL (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne), expressed her deep concern regarding the current state of affairs. She stated, From Switzerland, we observe this situation with great sadness… to see this system threatened deeply saddens us.

While acknowledging the potential for Swiss institutions to attract researchers displaced by the American policies, Fontcuberta I Morral firmly rejected the notion of capitalizing on the crisis.She emphasized the importance of ethical considerations, stating that actively recruiting scientists fleeing the US would be an inappropriate response.

We guarantee the necessary resources so that the doctoral students and doctoral students of the EPFL can finish their thesis.

Fontcuberta I Morral reassured that EPFL is committed to supporting its current researchers. Last year, EPFL initiated five projects with funding from the United States, totaling 1.2 million swiss francs, representing 0.4% of the institution’s budget. She affirmed that even if this funding were to cease, EPFL would ensure that doctoral students are able to complete their theses.

The Broader Impact: A Setback for Global Scientific Advancement

The potential exodus of researchers from the United States raises concerns about the overall health of the global scientific ecosystem. Fontcuberta I Morral drew an analogy to sports, explaining that the weakening of the American system will have a negative impact on innovation and scientific advances, which are worldwide and benefit all society.

The weakening of the American system will have a negative impact on innovation and scientific advances, which are universal and benefit all society.

She argued that while individual institutions might benefit from an influx of talent,the overall decline in American scientific output would ultimately harm global progress. The United States has historically been a powerhouse of scientific innovation, and its weakening could have significant repercussions.

Switzerland’s position: Attractiveness and Ethical Considerations

While acknowledging Switzerland’s attractiveness as a research destination, Fontcuberta I Morral highlighted that EPFL has limited open positions. She also reiterated her ethical concerns about actively recruiting scientists from the United States during this period of uncertainty.

Other European institutions,such as the university of Aix-Marseille,have already allocated significant resources to attract American scientists. However,EPFL’s approach appears to be more cautious,prioritizing ethical considerations and focusing on maintaining its existing research commitments.