As political pressures and funding cuts drive some researchers out of the United States, the Netherlands is moving to position itself as a refuge for top scientific talent. Education Minister Eppo Bruins (NSC) announced on March 20, 2025, the creation of a fund to attract leading international scientists, urging swift action to ensure the Netherlands becomes a destination of choice for these professionals.
Bruins wrote in a letter to the Tweede Kamer, "The world is changing. Tensions are rising. We see more and more scientists looking for a new place to continue their work. I want more top international scientists to come here. After all, top scientists are gold for our country and for Europe." While the fund is open to researchers of all nationalities, it is a direct response to growing concerns among American scientists about tightening restrictions on academic freedom under President Donald Trump.
“The Ministry of Education, Culture and Science has asked the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO) to set up a program for top international scientists who would prefer to work in the Netherlands,” Bruins communicated to the House of Representatives. According to him, “The world is changing. Tension is rising. We are seeing more and more scientists looking for a different place to do their work,” reinforcing the urgency of this initiative.
The amount of funding available through this new initiative has not yet been determined, as the ministry continues discussions with NWO. However, Bruins emphasized that it is crucial to announce the initiative now because scientists are in the process of deciding where to continue their careers.
The Universities of the Netherlands (UNL), representing 14 public universities, are already exploring ways to bring U.S. scientists into the fold. “It seems like a good idea to us,” a UNL spokesperson stated, noting that strengthening Dutch innovation is a priority. The spokesperson also highlighted the importance of standing in solidarity with American academics facing restrictions, which has become increasingly common in recent years.
NWO is also assessing how to support these efforts, mapping out where the biggest risks lie regarding academic freedom. A spokesperson for NWO remarked, “We find the signals from the U.S. rather disturbing,” noting a collective effort to ensure that critical research isn’t lost overseas. “Science exists by the grace of international cooperation and academic freedom,” the spokesperson added.
As Dutch and American researchers have begun informal discussions, the desire to attract talent is evident. Marileen Dogterom, president of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), analyzed the implications of taking in more scientists. “We will see a battle for talent, especially in areas like mathematics and technology, where there are severe labor shortages. But right now, our main duty is to support free science,” she said.
Despite this push to attract scientists, challenges loom on the horizon. The Dutch government is cutting billions from higher education budgets, raising doubts about the sustainability of such initiatives. Furthermore, NSC leader Pieter Omtzigt is advocating for scaling back tax breaks for international professionals—a move that has previously triggered backlash from major employers, including ASML, which has expressed dissatisfaction that could lead them to consider relocating operations abroad.
The future of this ambitious initiative may hinge on the ability to secure funding and determine proper conditions that appeal to top researchers. The NWO is committed to collaborating closely with the university umbrella organization UNL, KNAW, and other relevant parties to establish a framework that can efficiently support top international talent.
In the words of Marcel Levi, highlighting the economic importance of retaining knowledgeable individuals: “The Netherlands' greatest economic asset is knowledge. There is a risk that the bright minds of tomorrow will no longer be trained here or will leave the field of science. We desperately need talent that wants to work here.”
In light of these developments, the next few months are critical. NWO has pledged to provide additional clarity regarding the total amount of the fund, the start date, and the exact conditions for applicants. As countries across the globe shift regarding their scientific communities, the Netherlands hopes to take advantage of the moment, presenting itself as a welcoming option for international researchers disillusioned by conditions in their home countries.
