US President Donald Trump’s “assault” on scientific research could potentially threaten the United States’ position as the top destination for research, and might have nnock-on effects worldwide, officials of the Nobel Peace Prize Committee said on Thursday.
Since assuming office in January, the Trump has cut billions of dollars in funding for research, attacked universities, and fired scientists across federal agencies.
The Nobel Peace Prize will be announced in Stockholm and Oslo. Many renowned US scientists are top contenders for taking home the prestigious award.
In fact, the United States has comparatively more Nobel science laureates than any other country due to its commitment to undertaking scientific research and its promotion of academic freedom in the world.
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The Secretary General of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, Hans Ellegren, said Trump’s anti-research stance could change the academy, which awards the Nobel prizes in physics, chemistry, and economics every year.
He said, “In the post-war period, the US has taken over Germany’s role as the world’s leading scientific nation. When they now start cutting research funding, it threatens the country’s position.”
While the US has cut the funding, efforts to restore some of the funds are underway, although uncertainty still prevails.
Thomas Perlmann, secretary general of the committee that awards the Nobel Prize for Medicine, said it was “no coincidence that the US has by far the most Nobel laureates”.
“But there is now a creeping sense of uncertainty about the US’ willingness to maintain its leading position in research,” he added.
On one hand, cuts in US funding are hampering science research, and on the other, China is now rising and might lead scientific research in the coming years.
Amid the funding cuts, “there is a risk that a whole generation of young researchers that will be lost,” Ellegren warned.
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