Survey: Scientists fear 'brain drain' during Trump presidency

Following the election of Donald Trump as the 45th US President, scientists fear a spark of ‘brain drain’ as foreign-born researchers educated in American universities will be more likely to leave, according to a new survey.

A survey of over 1,600 professionals, from industry and academia, showed that Trump’s presidency is expected negatively impact research funding as well as science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education.

The largest majority, 57.11 per cent, believe that the president-elect will hurt research funding. About 24 pe cent said it would not make a difference, and only 9.79 per cent said Trump’s presidency would prove positive.

According to the survey by Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology News (GEN), about 51.74 per cent, believe that STEM education will not be a priority under the Trump administration. “The biotechnology industry faces the possibility of a brain drain, and this is most alarming,” said Mary Ann liebert, founder and CEO of GEN.