Hamburg Science Summit 2025: The future of transatlantic relations in R&I and beyond
Transatlantic science ties face strain amid US policy shifts. Europe must now choose: compete for talent and data, or preserve trust through balanced cooperation. The challenge lies in reconciling strategic interests with a firm commitment to openness and academic collaboration.
Recent shifts in US science policy under the Trump administration have cast doubt on the stability of transatlantic research cooperation. Budget cuts, political pressure on academic agendas, and the politicisation and restriction of access to scientific data — including environmental, health and demographic information — are undermining key pillars of the American research system. In Europe, these developments are prompting difficult choices. Some advocate for stronger engagement: attracting talent, hosting data infrastructures, and reinforcing Europe’s role in global science. Others warn that limited resources, unequal conditions and the risk of competitive fragmentation could undermine long-term cooperation and mutual trust. How can Europe respond in ways that combine strategic foresight with a clear commitment to academic openness and collaboration?
- Katrin Amian Head of North America, Alexander von Humboldt Foundation
- Nicola Fuchs-Schündeln President, WZB Berlin Social Science Center
- In cooperation with Table.Media, moderated by Tim Gabel
