Story perspectives

Brain Drain: 95,000 Scientists Leave U.S. Amid Budget Cuts

4/5/2026

Summary

Story summary

In March 2026, a report found 95,000 employees left U.S. federal science agencies due to budget cuts, jeopardizing research.
Robotics engineer Wali Malik moved to Austria after witnessing colleagues lose jobs amid U.S. President Donald Trump’s funding cuts.
He recruited top scientists from U.S. institutions to build a new lab.
Experts warn this brain drain could cost the U.S. economy nearly $1 trillion over ten years, threatening technology leadership.

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Story summary

In March 2026, a report found 95,000 employees left U.S. federal science agencies due to budget cuts, jeopardizing research.
Robotics engineer Wali Malik moved to Austria after witnessing colleagues lose jobs amid U.S. President Donald Trump’s funding cuts.
He recruited top scientists from U.S. institutions to build a new lab.
Experts warn this brain drain could cost the U.S. economy nearly $1 trillion over ten years, threatening technology leadership.