There are plenty of US scientists looking to move to Europe, but EU research organisations need to raise their game if they are to attract them, according to consultant Matthias Girod. Despite big political proclamations, the offer for positions does not match the demand. “Many of the researchers are asking if they even have a chance,” says Girod. “There is still more that could be done to attract foreign researchers; not only Americans but also from all over the world.”While the Choose France initiative is attracting the most interest, Girod says Europe needs more schemes, and perhaps even distinct budget lines with clear eligibility criteria and a dedicated EU programme. Girod is the former secretary general of the now-dissolved grassroots science association Euroscience. Today, he runs his own consultancy focused on research fundraising, internationalisation and policy. Most recently, he started advising US-based scientists on opportunities in Europe. Since he advertised his services on LinkedIn, the interest has been overwhelming. Messages from early and mid-career scientists based in the US flooded his inbox. A few universities reached out too, looking for ways to collaborate. Most individuals seeking to move are interested in western Europe. They know the continent’s big universities and research organisations but not much else about the European research landscape. This limits their options. Girod’s advice for them: “Don’t look only at the big names. There are excellent universities in the eastern part of Europe, in the Widening countries, that are doing really good research.”At the same time, European universities themselves should not overlook opportunities to both attract global talent and collaborate with US-based institutions. There is more openness to collaboration than before, especially when it comes to space research, notes Girod.“They are waking up slowly. After the shock and awe that happened in the first 100 days [of the Trump administration], they are now thinking: what can we do?”Related stories: Listed: Europe’s latest offers to US academics fleeing Trump EU to introduce seven-year ERC ‘super grants’ to lure disaffected US researchersMarketing to bust culture mythsWhen it comes to Europe’s existing offer to global talent, Girod emphasises the importance of marketing. US-based researchers do not understand European research jargon and many feel lost.Knowledge valorisation, R1 to R4 career states, National Contact Points: scientists must be able to understand all these terms to even apply for a position in Europe. “I think there should be some targeted marketing for European research programmes,” says Girod. And he does not mean another one-stop-shop. Having all the information in one place is great, but these websites are often overloaded with information and can quickly turn into a headache for users. “When a one-stop-shop becomes a giga marché where you need two hours to find salt, it becomes overwhelming,” says Girod.Better marketing should also aim to dispel common misconceptions and worries, such as a language barriers disrupting work and Europe’s love of bureaucracy. One big misconception is that EU researchers do not collaborate with industry. In the US, many scientists spend time in industry and are worried this would not be recognised. “There is some cultural work to do here. Myth-busting, basically,” says Girod.But the biggest worry for many is a long-term career perspective. US researchers read about the EU’s push against job precarity in science and many believe that only the very top scientists can have stable careers in Europe. If they move continents, they need reassurance that they will not need to move again in a few years. While Europe may not be able to accommodate and give long-term perspective to all, it must reassure those it can host that there is a future for their research here. That means both dedicating funding to them and communicating better.Read More
Insider’s View: Europe needs more schemes to attract US talent
