Not in line with American ideology? Say goodbye to your funding
10 April 2025
No names were quoted – the risk was too high. At a rare meeting at the University of Leiden, Dutch academics came together to express their concerns about the state of academic freedom. Their worries were triggered when receiving surveys questioning the focus of their research from the US.
US-funded scientists in Australia, the UK, and the EU received questionnaires from various agencies which seems to align with Trump's plan to make cuts to scientific research. The survey's 36 questions touch on projects related to environmental justice, diversity, gender equality, and inclusivity, and question "problematic language" and ties with China.
 | Julianne van Pelt Academics are voicing their concerns, fearing that their funding could suddenly be stopped or their online publications deleted if they are not in line with Trump's ideology. This goes against the academic freedom that these universities stand for, where politics should not decide what research should or should not be conducted. Most European universities have advised their staff not to respond. |
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