The State of the Science 1 Year On: Academia and Research
The past year was a shock to the U.S. higher education system. The coming year may see even more jolts.
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Race for the ERA Act Begins As MEP Unveils Early Proposal
The European Parliament has started work on a proposal pre-empting the European Research Area (ERA) Act due to be put forward by the European Commission in 2026. The move is an attempt to set the terms of the debate, calling in particular for a dedicated legislative proposal protecting scientific freedom.
Research Breakthroughs Often Come Through Collaborations − Attacks on Academic Freedom Threaten This Vital Work
Research Breakthroughs Often Come Through Collaborations − Attacks on Academic Freedom Threaten This Vital Work
Academic freedom grew strongly after World War II, with greater university funding, protections and autonomy, yet global data now shows a decline.
All Government Shutdowns Disrupt Science − in 2025, the Consequences Extend Far Beyond a Lapse in Funding
All Government Shutdowns Disrupt Science − in 2025, the Consequences Extend Far Beyond a Lapse in Funding
The Trump administration is not just reforming the US research system - it is trying to remake it.
Science without borders: Fostering free knowledge exchange in a politically conflicted world
Science without borders: Fostering free knowledge exchange in a politically conflicted world
Geopolitical tensions and territorial disputes can hinder the free exchange of ideas. This article recommends guidelines for event organizers, researchers and publishers to minimize geopolitical sensitivities.
What Can Europe and Its Universities Do to Halt the Erosion of Academic Freedom?
What Can Europe and Its Universities Do to Halt the Erosion of Academic Freedom?
Much has been said and written about the global decline of academic freedom in recent years. But the warning bells have now turned into emergency sirens.
US Data Purges Draw on a Playbook Used Worldwide
One major consequence of the assault on research by president Donald Trump’s administration has been to put data in jeopardy, through changes in funding and access to data repositories and other data collections.
A Hundred Days of Harm: How the Trump Administration Is Eviscerating Science and What We Can Do About It
A Hundred Days of Harm: How the Trump Administration Is Eviscerating Science and What We Can Do About It
The new Trump administration has been more reckless and destructive than the first time around. The Union of Concerned Scientists is working to monitor, contain, and reverse this administration’s abuses of science.
Egypt Joins Horizon Europe Despite Academic Freedom Concerns
The European Union has struck a deal with Egypt allowing it to associate to Horizon Europe, despite concerns from MEPs and former diplomats about restrictions on research in the country.
How Europe Aims to Woo US Scientists and Protect Academic Freedom
The European Union's new research chief Ekaterina Zaharieva speaks to Nature about attracting disaffected US scientists and cutting grant bureaucracy.
EU Should Attract More US Scientists, MEPs Say
Many MEPs have called on the Commission to increase efforts to attract US scientists affected by budget cuts and political interference in academia and research. They see the current geopolitical context as a chance for the EU to present itself as an international beacon for academic freedom.
The US Wants to Know if Researchers in Other Countries Follow MAGA Doctrine
The US Wants to Know if Researchers in Other Countries Follow MAGA Doctrine
Science and policy are never truly free from one another. But one country's policy doesn't typically cross borders.
Administration is weakening U.S. research capacity and endangering Americans, nation’s leading scientists warn
Administration is weakening U.S. research capacity and endangering Americans, nation’s leading scientists warn
About 1,900 scientists warn that actions being taken by the Trump administration will slow scientific advances and harm Americans
Majority of Polled Scientists Considering Leaving United States, Signaling “Brain Drain”
Majority of Polled Scientists Considering Leaving United States, Signaling “Brain Drain”
After an onslaught of funding cuts, firings, and cancelled programs as a result of Trump administration actions, scientists in the United States are feeling targeted. That’s according to the results of a poll published by Nature. In the poll, 75.3% of 1,600 respondents, at least 1,200 of whom were scientists, said they were “considering leaving the country following the disruptions to science prompted by the Trump administration.”
Cuts to Research into Inequality, Disparities and Other DEIA Topics Harm Science
Cuts to Research into Inequality, Disparities and Other DEIA Topics Harm Science
From HIV treatments to school desegregation, research into topics now considered DEIA have benefited Americans throughout history.
These Frustrated Scientists Want to Leave the United States - Do You? Take Nature's Poll
These Frustrated Scientists Want to Leave the United States - Do You? Take Nature's Poll
In the wake of the Trump administration's funding freezes and job cuts, some researchers are planning their next move.
An Ecosystem of Resilience and Resistance is Emerging
History shows how to protect science from Trump’s attacks, write Stephan Lewandowsky and colleagues
US Science is Under Threat ― Now Scientists Are Fighting Back
Researchers are organizing protests and making their voices heard as Trump officials slash funding and lay off federal scientists.
Global Concern Grows Over Trump’s "Attack on Science"
Research groups call for academic freedom to be protected amid mass firings and funding freezes
Trump 2.0: an Assault on Science Anywhere is an Assault on Science Everywhere
Trump 2.0: an Assault on Science Anywhere is an Assault on Science Everywhere
US President Donald Trump is taking a wrecking ball to science and to international institutions. The global research community must take a stand against these attacks.
New Research Funding Policies in the USA Will Not Affect the Freedom of Research at the University of Helsinki
New Research Funding Policies in the USA Will Not Affect the Freedom of Research at the University of Helsinki
"Funding should not be sought at any cost, such as by removing certain words from research proposals," says Vice-Rector Anne Portaankorva from the University of Helsinki.
'Afraid to Talk': Researchers Fear the End for Science in Venezuela
A lack of funding and academic freedom amid a political crackdown leave scientists feeling hopeless and pondering an exodus from the country.
Neutrality’s Effects On Academic Freedom
The idea that universities in the United States—and especially their presidents—should be politically neutral was taking hold long before their recent struggles in responding to the Israel–Hamas war.
Academic freedom "must remain high on the EU agenda"
Legal framework conditions at European level "are not sufficient to deal with infringements of academic freedom”, according to a speaker at a key public debate on the issue.
"This Isn't How Good Scientific Debate Happens": Academics on Culture of Fear in Gender Medicine Research
"This Isn't How Good Scientific Debate Happens": Academics on Culture of Fear in Gender Medicine Research
Review found professionals in the field are scared to discuss views amid risk of reputational damage and online abuse
Promotion of Scientific Freedom and the Safety of Scientists: A New Programme and Call to Action
Promotion of Scientific Freedom and the Safety of Scientists: A New Programme and Call to Action
Science can best flourish in an open and safe ecosystem that encourages the free flow of ideas.
The Future of Academic Freedom
As the Israel-Hamas war provokes claims about unacceptable speech, the ability to debate difficult subjects is in renewed peril.
The Weaponisation of Forensic Research Auditing Will Not Resolve Systemic Research Misconduct
The Weaponisation of Forensic Research Auditing Will Not Resolve Systemic Research Misconduct
The trend for the politically motivated forensic scrutiny of the research records of academics has a chilling effect on academic freedom and distracts from efforts to address more important systemic issues in research integrity.
Politics and Protests Puts Europe's Academic Freedom Policies Under the Spotlight
Politics and Protests Puts Europe's Academic Freedom Policies Under the Spotlight
The pressure for EU legislation to protect academic freedom ramped up towards the end of 2023 when the European Parliament's STOA panel for the future of science and technology set out its plan of action. Amongst other measures, STOA is calling for a formal definition of academic freedom and a monitoring system to ensure these principles are enforced.
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