Several research projects at the University of Copenhagen (KU) are facing funding cuts from the United States due to the Trump administration’s stance against diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. This decision impacts not only KU but potentially other universities like DTU, reflecting a broader trend in the US where federal support for educational institutions is being reconsidered.

Four KU projects have already been informed that their US federal funding will be terminated. These projects, which contributed to larger American research endeavors, are now facing closure because the primary projects have been shut down. According to KU’s Vice Director for Research and Information Security, Kim Brinckmann, the university has “never experienced anything like it.”

The Trump administration’s policy requires the closure of any programs within DEI that conflict with a federal anti-discrimination law passed in January. This has led to the potential loss of over ten billion dollars in federal support for institutions like Harvard University, which the administration believes is not doing enough to protect Jewish students and needs to eliminate DEI programs.

The funding cuts affect projects supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the US Agency for International Development (USAID). The Trump administration aims to reduce NIH funding by 40 percent by 2026, and USAID is currently completely suspended. While fewer than ten researchers at KU have been impacted so far, amounting to “a minor million amount,” the situation is concerning.

Professor Jørn Brøndal from the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) describes the situation as “catastrophic” for international research collaboration. He highlights the problematic nature of politicians dictating research topics and notes that Harvard has become a scapegoat for the Trump administration. SDU also experienced scrutiny when the American embassy questioned a $10,000 grant for a lecture by Nobel laureate Joseph Stiglitz, leading SDU to cover the cost itself.

KU has identified approximately 40 projects partially or fully funded by US federal funds, with a “small handful” potentially at risk of closure. The university is assessing project descriptions for terms related to DEI, such as “LGBTQ,” “diversity,” and even “climate,” which are now restricted under the new American administration’s guidelines.

Rector Anders Bjarklev from DTU expresses concern, stating that they are closely monitoring the situation but have not yet experienced any funding losses. He fears that projects related to sustainable energy may be particularly vulnerable. The Vice Director from KU acknowledges the cost of international research collaboration and suggests that researchers may become less inclined to pursue American projects and funding in the future.