TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Disappointment with the new administration, which gave rise to the hashtag 'Kabur Aja Dulu' (Run Away First) in Indonesia, apparently also occurred in the United States. Survey results among scientists in the country revealed that as many as 75.3 percent are considering going abroad. They are disappointed with President Donald Trump's policies, which are not seen as supportive of scientific development.
The survey involved 1,645 respondents; only 24.7 percent did not consider leaving. Nevertheless, 1,608 respondents said that Trump's election as U.S. president has influenced their future lives and careers.
The survey was shared through the Nature website, social media, and newsletters. On March 27, 2025, Nature reported that three-quarters of respondents said they were considering leaving the United States because of the chaos caused by Trump.
One respondent said they would move to any country that supports science. While some who have already moved to the U.S. to work as researchers plan to return to their home countries soon.
According to this survey, the desire to escape is evident among researchers in the early stages of their careers. Of the 690 postdoctoral researchers who responded to the survey, 548, or 79.42 percent, are considering quitting. Among the 340 doctoral students, 255 respondents, or 75 percent, said the same.
The consideration to leave is triggered by Donald Trump's policies, who returned as the President of the United States on January 20, after winning the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election. Among other things, he cut research funding and even halted most federally funded scientific activities. Trump did this in the name of efficiency, with his program entrusted to be run by his supporters during the election, namely, Elon Musk.
According to the Nature report, tens of thousands of federal employees, including many scientists, have been fired and rehired using court orders, with the threat of mass dismissal. Added to that are harsh immigration actions and debates about academic freedom.
Respondents expressed their desire to move to countries where they already have colleagues, family, friends, or familiarity with the local language. Although they admit to loving their country, they say they cannot stand being constantly disturbed by a government that does not fully support scientific activities. The survey finds Europe and Canada are among the top choices for relocation.
One of the research institutions affected is the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The biomedical research funding agency for the United States and the world has been cut by over US$3 billion.
Protest action as the President of the United States, Donald Trump delivers a speech in front of a joint session of the United States Congress in the United States Capitol, Washington, DC, United States, March 4, 2025. Reuters/Kevin Lamarque
In response to this situation, more than a thousand members of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine made a statement in a "Real Danger" letter regarding Trump's agenda. They urged the federal government to halt efforts to 'attack' science and called on the public to join this call.
"We all benefit from science, and we all stand to lose if the nation's research enterprise is destroyed," the letter reads, as reported by Phys, Tuesday, April 1, 2025.
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