The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) has experienced a surge in applications for a chemistry professorship, with a significant number originating from the United States. Rector Anders Bjarklev suggests this increase is linked to the current research and education climate in the U.S.

The university received over 250 applications, a notable increase compared to the typical 100-150 applications for similar positions. Bjarklev notes that a “striking” proportion of these applicants are from the U.S.

The surge in applications coincides with the Trump administration’s policies affecting education and research funding. Proposed budget cuts include more than halving the budget for the National Science Foundation (NSF) and reducing the National Institutes of Health (NIH) budget by 40 percent.

These policies have already led to the NIH ceasing funding for some research projects at the University of Copenhagen (KU). KU has attributed this to the “America First” policy, prioritizing domestic use of federal research funds.

Bjarklev believes the perceived uncertainty surrounding the future of researchers, particularly foreign researchers, in the U.S. is a major factor driving the increased interest in positions at DTU. He acknowledges that relocating to a European country like Denmark is a significant decision for researchers in the U.S.

Despite the salary for researchers typically being “significantly better” in the U.S. than in Europe, the number of U.S. applicants has risen sharply. The position at DTU, described as a “good and fine position within an important area,” typically attracts applicants from Denmark and neighboring countries.

The Science Hub Denmark campaign, aimed at attracting researchers from top universities in Europe and North America, has also seen significant interest from the U.S. Of the approximately 37,000 unique users on the website, around 60 percent are from the U.S., and just over half of all registered researchers are also from the U.S.