Canada recruits dozens of US scholars — including several science stars
Nature, Published online: 01 September 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-02743-7 US funding uncertainty was a key factor for several of the researchers heading to Canada. Observers predict more will follow.
Canadian Industry Minister Melanie Joly announced the hiring of 64 distinguished academics from leading American universities, under an eight-year CAD $500 million initiative. A report by CNN revealed that 48 of the scholars are transferring from prominent institutions such as Harvard, Cornell, and MIT, specializing in medicine, engineering, and climate science.
This move comes amid escalating tensions between the US administration of President Donald Trump and top US research centers, which have resulted in cuts to federal funding and stricter oversight of scientific grants. Joly, speaking at a news conference at the University of British Columbia, emphasized the initiative as a commitment to defending intellectual freedom and bolstering research.
She noted that while other nations are reducing research and abandoning academic freedom, Canada is doubling down on science and research. The White House was not available for comment on the recruitment drive. The initiative is part of Canada's larger Global Impact+ Research Talent Initiative, a CAD $1.7 billion fund aimed at attracting top intellectual talent to the country.
Scholars migrating to Canada cited worries over diminishing academic freedom and hiring obstacles in the US as primary reasons for their decision.
Written by urgent.news from Free Press Journal's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
