Scientists Head to Australia for Better Funding

American researchers are moving overseas because money for science in the U. S. is shrinking. The last year’s cuts hit projects on inequality, gender and climate change hard. Universities stopped hiring new staff, cut graduate spots and reduced PhD places. Other countries see this as a chance. Australia has begun to hire U. S. scholars, especially early and mid‑career scientists. Fifteen researchers will start work here this year; some, like Dr. Crabtree, have already moved. The U. S. loses more than people when they leave. Mentorship fades, fewer papers appear, and new companies slow down. Long‑term, the country may lose its edge in science. State leaders warn that these cuts hurt health and jobs.They say the government should undo the funding cuts. Australia’s Monash University wants a mix of people from many backgrounds. Its deputy vice‑chancellor, Robyn Ward, says the university offers freedom to pursue research. She heard many U. S. scientists worry about funding and political pressure. Dr. Crabtree, once a student in Colorado, says he chose Australia for better pay and more freedom. He is excited about new chances but sad that his homeland may lose its advantage. Monash also opened a small office in Cambridge, near Boston’s biotech hub. It already works with companies like Moderna and has launched about thirty startups in five years. The university aims to speed up new therapies.