Will Arab Universities Welcome Scientists Returning from America?

The recent period has witnessed the migration of many scientists from America, with others considering leaving following several decisions made by the administration of US President Donald Trump.

France has been one of the countries most receptive to scientists leaving the United States, facilitating their transfer procedures. French President Emmanuel Macron announced that the government will allocate 100 million euros to attract international researchers, describing funding cuts in the United States as a “colossal mistake.”

When a French university announced a scientific program this year to receive American scientists, the number of American applicants reached nearly 300 in just three weeks.

Canada’s Queen’s University also launched a special initiative to attract American PhD students.

The newly established “Choose Europe for Science” program is also set to invest 500 million euros from now until 2027 to attract researchers at various career stages.

The reception of immigrant scientists by global universities raises an important question about the ability of Arab universities to receive these scientists and benefit from their expertise to develop and advance education and scientific research in Arab universities.

Expert Opinions

Regarding the ability of Arab countries to receive immigrant scientists from the United States, one expert stated: “Some Arab countries are in a good position to do this, with Gulf states like Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia at the forefront due to their strong funding, advanced infrastructure, and ambitious agendas.”

He added: “North African countries like Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia, with their rich scientific heritage, could also benefit, but they face challenges of limited funding and brain drain.”

The expert noted that many universities are already engaged in developing human resource capacities in the region, adding: “My general impression is that Arab countries could gain significantly from knowledge transfer and global standing by attracting American scientists, especially expatriates, provided there is stable funding, infrastructure, and supportive policies.”

Another expert in public health stated: “Arab countries will only be able to receive immigrant scientists from the United States by creating favorable research conditions and the ability to compete financially, alongside academic freedom and freedom of expression.”

He added: “These requirements are the essence of attracting scientists, as seen in Singapore or other countries that have benefited from their immigrant scientists.”

A professor in biophysics and biochemistry stated that he does not have a systematic understanding of the migration of scientists from the United States. However, he knows from his experiences that some of his colleagues at prestigious global universities in the US are considering leaving (with most thinking of migrating to Europe), something they would not have considered a few years ago.

According to him, this is due to uncertainty about funding along with other challenges like travel bans, which hinder the attraction of scientists and trainees.

He said: “I believe, in principle, that countries with a strong commitment to funding science and existing infrastructure will be the destination.”

He added: “There is no doubt that the United States’ reputation as a country that invests in science and technology (and uses science in policymaking) has been damaged,” but he clarified that no opinion polls or systematic data have been released on this matter yet.

A Formula for Success

To achieve success, in addition to funding, researchers need access to the latest equipment, stimulating environments, and students and trainees passionate about science. It is assumed these criteria are not available everywhere.

One professor and former dean stated: “Scientists faced difficulties with changes in research funding policies