US scientists flock to China amid tightening policies and funding cuts

In a significant trend, scientists from various disciplines are leaving positions in the United States to pursue opportunities in China. This migration has accelerated since the beginning of last year, with at least 85 scientists making the transition. More than half of these relocations occurred in 2025, reflecting a broader response to tightening research budgets and increasing scrutiny of foreign talent by the US government. Chinese universities, recognizing an opportunity amidst changing dynamics in the US, are actively recruiting both international researchers and those who had previously studied abroad. The environment in the US has shifted dramatically, where policies perceived as restrictive under the Trump administration have inadvertently benefited Chinese institutions. Yu Xie, a sociology professor at Princeton University, noted that these changes are seen as an opportunity for Chinese universities to attract higher-caliber talent. Lu Wuyuan, a former professor at the University of Maryland who transitioned to Fudan University in 2020, pointed out a notable increase in overseas job applicants, leading to a robust trend of scientists returning to China. Chinese institutions and government initiatives continue to invite international researchers, with various programs aimed at enhancing research funding for overseas talent. Despite the US government's view of these programs as a potential threat, they have succeeded in drawing scientists back. Additionally, funding opportunities such as the National Natural Science Foundation have broadened recruitment efforts and intensified the competition for scientific talent. As Chinese scientists publish more articles in high-profile journals than their US counterparts, the country is on a path towards being a self-reliant scientific force. However, experts caution that while progress is being made, China's quest to become a leading power in science and technology by 2035 still has significant hurdles to overcome, particularly due to its slowing economy. Overall, this exodus signifies a complex interplay of scientific collaboration, political tension, and shifting global dynamics between the two nations.