Nordics hope to attract US researchers alienated by Trump

Stockholm: With US universities facing challenges to their independence and funding, Nordic countries hope their emphasis on academic freedom and stro...

Stockholm: With US universities facing challenges to their independence and funding, Nordic countries hope their emphasis on academic freedom and strong welfare societies can lure researchers seeking to leave the United States.

"To researchers in the United States: welcome," Sweden's Education Minister Johan Pehrson told AFP, reaching out to academics affected by a wave of measures under US President Donald Trump.

"We can offer trust and long-term investments. We've got academic freedom. If you are looking for a place to do your work and contribute to solving global challenges, we value your knowledge," the minister said in a written statement.

"Our aim is to make it easier for talented individuals to come to Sweden," he added.

In late April, the American Association of Colleges and Universities published a statement condemning an "unprecedented government overreach and political interference now endangering American higher education", which as of April 28 had gathered more than 500 signatures from leaders in the sector.