Title:
Austria Attracts 25 Top Researchers from the US: Multi-Million Program Turns Vienna into a Safe Haven for Science
Introduction:
In a remarkable move, Austria has succeeded in bringing 25 top researchers from some of the renowned US universities such as Harvard, Princeton, and MIT. The multi-million euro APART-USA fellowship program, initiated by the Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW), responds to increasing uncertainty within the US scientific landscape under Donald Trump and positions Austria internationally as a safe harbor for academic excellence.
1. Millions Invested in Science
The APART-USA program is endowed with €10 million from the Fonds Zukunft Österreich (Austrian Future Fund). Each of the 25 selected researchers receives a four-year fellowship worth €500,000. The financing is split 75% from the fund and 25% from the host research institutions. With this, Austria is making a targeted investment in scientific talent and innovation.
2. Broad Disciplinary Spectrum – From Physics to Digitalization
The new researchers span a wide range of disciplines: from physics and chemistry to computer science and the humanities. Among them, for example, is a neuroscientist focusing on Alzheimer’s research and a communications scientist studying the effects of digital media on children and adolescents. These researchers will work at 14 leading universities and institutes—including the University of Vienna, universities in Graz and Innsbruck, ISTA, and various medical and technical universities.
3. Political Dimension: Austria as a Safe Harbor
Science Minister Eva-Maria Holzleitner (SPÖ) stresses the political dimension: “At a time when political interference and authoritarian currents are increasingly influencing research and teaching around the world, we are sending a clear signal. Academic freedom is a valuable good and a pillar of democracy. Austria has therefore positioned itself unequivocally as a safe haven for science and research.” The APART-USA program is specifically aimed at postdocs of all nationalities who were still affiliated with a US university as of January 2025.
4. Brain Gain as an Answer to Global Uncertainty
ÖAW President Heinz Faßmann sees the American brain drain as a unique opportunity for Austria: “Thanks to our fellowship program, we were able to attract excellent personalities who bring fresh ideas, perspectives, and international networks. This sustainably strengthens Austria as a research location.”
With its multi-million investment and targeted recruitment of international talent, Austria is directly responding to global challenges in science. The country is sending a strong message for research freedom and innovation—gaining international significance as a scientific refuge in times of political upheavalue.
Further information and context about Austria's APART-USA program and the broader "brain gain" of researchers from the US to Europe:
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APART-USA Official Fellowship Page (Austrian Academy of Sciences):
Provides details on eligibility, nomination procedures, funding structure (€500,000 per fellowship over 48 months, with €10 million total allocated), and the program’s goal of attracting postdoctoral talent from US institutions to Austrian universities and research centers. Candidates must be nominated by Austrian host institutions and have been affiliated with a US research institution as of January 2025. -
OeAD and EURAXESS Austria:
Confirm the rapid rollout and purpose of the program as a response to global scientific uncertainty, offering fellowships to all nationalities currently or recently affiliated with US research entities. -
Austrian Ministry and Media Reports (Vindobona, OEAW):
Cite Austria's explicit policy ambition to become a "safe haven" for international research talent in the wake of budget cuts and growing political interference in US research under Donald Trump. These sources highlight the broader European trend of attracting US-based researchers. -
The New York Times & Science Magazine (International Perspective):
Highlight how several European countries—including Austria—are actively launching packages and major funding drives to attract highly qualified American researchers affected by shrinking research funding and restrictions at US federal and state levels. Spain, Denmark, and Sweden, among others, have launched similar initiatives, signaling a Europe-wide response to the US "brain drain." -
FWF Funding Reports:
Provide context on Austria's strong ongoing national investment in research, supporting thousands of researchers at universities and non-university research institutions, and noting a continued increase in demand and disbursement for basic research.