Trump Administration's Ideological Funding Criteria Strains U.S.-Australia Research Ties
Australian universities and CSIRO face funding cuts and compliance demands as officials weigh responses to a $600 million research gap.
- Seven Australian universities and the CSIRO have seen U.S. research funding cut or frozen, with compliance questionnaires targeting DEI, climate, and gender policies.
- The Trump administration's policy ties funding to alignment with U.S. political priorities, including opposition to 'gender ideology' and 'environmental justice.'
- The Australian Academy of Science has called for an emergency meeting to assess risks and develop strategies to address the funding gap.
- Australian officials and researchers warn of long-term impacts on critical research areas like vaccine development and climate monitoring.
- The Australian government has not committed to filling the funding gap, with further clarity on the U.S. review expected in April 2025.