Humboldt Network Liaison Town Hall with Dr. Katrin Amian from the AvH

American Friends of AvH convened the second of three virtual Town Hall meetings with the head of the North America, Australia, New Zealand, Oceania Division at the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Dr. Katrin Amian. These events are designed to bring together Humboldt Network Liaisons from around the country to share their perspectives on the impact of current Trump administration policies on their research and institutions.

Some of the themes that emerged during the discussion were the following:

1. Financial Uncertainty
Some participants noted that their departmental and institutional grants were highly uncertain, with some being granted and revoked within a short period of time. This has happened in various disciplines—examples included grants from the NEH (National Endowment for the Humanities) and NIH (National Institutes of Health). These cuts are likely to have trickle down negative effects for other programs at a given institution.

Dr. Amian mentioned that the fact that the new German government has not yet finalized the 2025 federal budget makes planning for future funding cycles a challenge.

Another attendee called the work and programs of the AvH “rigorous and generous,” and asked the Foundation to “keep up the good work.” Many HNLs have found the AvH alumni support to be critical for continuing their collaborations.

Two participants shared that their institutions recently received R1/R2 designations, which bring with it the challenge of performing more (and better) research while receiving little extra federal funding. There is much uncertainty about what kind of research is fundable or not fundable.

There has been a significant increase in mobility between institutions and locations, as researchers and scholars look for funding both in the United States and abroad. There are also cases where private donations are compensating for the federal funding cuts, but while donor openness is there, they may be at the mercy of the stock market during this unstable time.

One attendee stated that professional partners like the DAAD have also made cuts to their programs, making it difficult for scholars to expand their funding sources. HNLs expressed their commitment to research in Germany and find themselves in a moment of need due to increasing pressure for resources.

One of the biggest issues is the pipeline of trainees. Current PhD students will likely be able to finish, but institutions have had to rescind offers for the next class of PhD candidates. Postdocs are often the first to be let go when funding is cut and many HNLs are advising their postdocs to go abroad. There are serious concerns that the next generation of researchers will be decimated.

2. Threats of Censorship
One HNL expressed concern about a US brain drain, as the number of new applicants for PhD programs and research positions has been declining. Another is preparing for boycotts of their university and/or department.

Several researchers have been interrogated upon their return to the United States, forced to explain their CV and work before being allowed to return.

Those in the life sciences/medicine expressed concerns that terms such as “genetic diversity” may need to be removed from grant applications to satisfy federal anti-DEI measures, despite the fact that such phrases are subject matter-specific and do not refer to race and gender.

Participants shared that their students who needed to return home to China for personal matters were unable to access data or present their thesis in-country due to US export control rules and were uncertain that they would be allowed to re-enter the United States. Some researchers are self-deporting for a variety of reasons.

There are also concerns in the engineering field that firms will be unable to hire top talent due to their country of origin.

Those in the life sciences noted that funding for multiple types of basic research—in addition to COVID-19 related work—have been cut.

3. Value of Communication
Katrin Amian invited HNLs to be in touch with any questions or concerns in coming months once there is clarity about the new federal budget.

Some HNLs noted that their work is being kept afloat solely thanks to AvH grants and expressed their gratitude.

German Chancellor Fellowship alumni are also in touch and are meeting regularly.
The Humboldt Foundation will continue to reach out regularly to all contacts/awardees and American Friends of AvH will also do the same to support the US Humboldt Network.