Canada recruits 64 US academics with C$504m fund amid US funding cuts
Canada has recruited 64 top researchers from US universities, including Harvard and MIT, through a new C$504m government program. Over 75% of these hires are from the US, driven by federal grant freezes and political interference in US science funding. Key figures include climate researcher Seth Guikema and biopharmaceutical expert Peter Caravan. The move is part of a global trend where countries like the UK, Netherlands, and France are also recruiting US scientists, raising concerns about a long-term 'brain drain' and the US losing its scientific leadership.
Key points
- Canada's new program offers C$504m in funding to 64 professors, with over 75% coming from the US.
- Researchers are moving to Canadian institutions like University of Western Ontario, University of British Columbia, and McGill University.
- US federal research grants have been frozen or cut, creating uncertainty and 'wasteful' labeling by the Trump administration.
- Notable hires include Seth Guikema (climate resiliency) and Peter Caravan (biopharmaceuticals), both from top US institutions.
- Other countries, including the UK, Netherlands, and France, are also recruiting US scientists with significant funding packages.
Background
This development follows a broader trend of US scientists leaving due to federal funding cuts and political interference. In 2025, a Nature poll found 75% of researchers were considering a move, and job applications for Canadian positions increased by 41%. The US has seen a 20% drop in NIH awards and a 59% drop in NSF grants compared to 2024 levels. This is part of a larger global competition for scientific talent, with countries like the UK, Netherlands, and France also offering substantial funding to attract US researchers.
How outlets are covering it
The BBC and CNN emphasize the 'poaching' aspect and the political tensions between the US and Canada, with Canada's Industry Minister Melanie Joly stating the US is 'taking its own decisions.' WBUR focuses on the personal and institutional impact, highlighting specific researchers like Phillip Zamore and the broader 'brain drain' concerns. All sources agree that US funding cuts and political interference are driving the exodus, but the BBC and CNN frame it as a geopolitical issue, while WBUR highlights the human and scientific costs. The US administration has not publicly commented, but the BBC notes that the White House and US Department of Education were contacted.
Why it matters
This marks a significant shift in the global scientific landscape, with Canada and other countries actively recruiting top US talent. It raises concerns about the US losing its leadership in science and innovation, potentially impacting future breakthroughs in fields like climate change, medicine, and biotechnology. The move also highlights the fragility of scientific research and the long-term consequences of political interference in funding and policy.
What to watch
Canada will continue to support the 64 researchers with the C$504m fund over eight years. The US may face further brain drain as funding uncertainties persist. Other countries may also increase their recruitment efforts. The US could see a decline in scientific output and innovation, potentially impacting its global competitiveness. The long-term effects on US universities and research institutions remain uncertain, but the trend suggests a significant shift in the global scientific landscape.
- Canada poaches dozens of top US researchers for its universities BBC
- Canada poaches dozens of US academics as Trump administration tightens university funding CNN
- Canada Hires U.S. Scholars From Harvard and Other Top Universities The New York Times
- Why a UMass researcher is among the dozens leaving the U.S. for Canada WBUR
- Canada Poaches International Researchers, Drawing Most from US Bloomberg.com
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