MORE and more researchers based in the United States are relocating to Spain as new political controls over science and budget cuts in the US push academics to look for funding stability and independence abroad.
A rising number of scientists working in the United States are applying to move their research to Spain, as political changes and funding cuts under President Donald Trump create uncertainty in the American scientific system.
Figures from Spain’s Ministry of Science and the State Research Agency show that 33.5 per cent of the 254 applications to the Atrae talent programme came from researchers based in the US.
The Atrae programme offers established international scientists around €1 million each to set up research teams at Spanish universities and centres.
In 2023, the first year of the programme, no US-based researchers were awarded funding.
In 2024, 16 per cent of selected candidates were working in the US.
In 2025, that figure rose to 32%.
In the latest round, 37 scientists were selected, of which 21 were working at American academic institutions at the time of their application.
The increase comes amid growing concern in the US scientific community over new federal policies.
One of the most criticised measures is the 2025 executive order known as ‘Restoring Gold Standard Science’.
The order allows political appointees greater control over how scientific findings are reviewed, presented and used in federal decision-making.
Researchers have also raised concerns about significant budget cuts affecting agencies such as the National Science Foundation.
Funding freezes and grant cancellations have affected research in areas including biomedicine, climate science and space exploration.
Scientists based in the US say these measures have created uncertainty about long-term funding and academic independence.
Spain is using the Atrae programme to attract researchers who are seeking stable funding and fewer political constraints.
The grants are designed to help scientists establish laboratories and research groups in cities including Barcelona, Madrid and Oviedo.
Spanish authorities say the initiative aims to strengthen the national research system by attracting internationally recognised talent.
The growing share of applicants from US institutions suggests that more researchers are considering relocating their work to Europe as conditions in the United States change.
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