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

American Friends of AvH convened the first 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 major themes that emerged during the discussion were the following:

1. Challenges Facing US Academia and International Collaboration
• Academic Freedom & Free Speech Concerns

One participant highlighted fears among students/researchers regarding international travel, Fulbright funding uncertainties, and broader threats to academic freedom and First Amendment rights. UCLA is currently on the list for investigation by DOGE with no set date.

Some HNLs noted the direct targeting of Harvard and emphasized concern for freedom of speech, especially for transgender individuals, women, and minorities.

Others reported DEI-related dismissals, comparing the situation to Germany 1933; expressed concerns about the creation of a culture of fear on campus and beyond.

One HNL cited longstanding legal restrictions on DEI and student recruitment from several countries in his state, funding losses, and the creation of a “Florida DOGE.”

Another noted decade-old warning signs, insufficient institutional pushback, and rising academic migration out of the United States due to fear and lost opportunities.

HNLs from Florida and Texas affirmed that many restrictive policies had begun at the state level over two years ago.

• Visa and Mobility Restrictions:

HNLs shared that their campus has experienced revoked international student visas and the underfunding of study abroad programs.

Others described widespread confusion, the reluctance of foreign scholars to visit the United States, and frequent speaker cancellations.

Some noted the risk that international PhD students may be unable to return to the United States after traveling home and end up unable to complete their degrees from their home countries due to data transfer restrictions.

2. Institutional Impacts and Perspectives

One HNL reported a minimal immediate impact due to his institution’s limited dependence on federal funding.

Others expressed uncertainty about his own future position and asked whether the number of fellowships could be increased.

One HNL mentioned that graduate applications at Columbia University are declining, particularly from international students.

3. AvH Response
Katrin Amian reassured the group of HNLs by:

• Highlighting increased opportunities for collaboration under Germany’s new coalition government and emphasizing the Foundation’s continued support for fellowships.

• Reassuring participants that AvH support will not be withdrawn.

• Expressing cautious optimism about an increase in funding for the AvH through Germany’s budget process.

• Stressing that the AvH does not seek to “win” as a result of the US situation, reiterating that the US administration’s policies are a lose-lose for global science.

• Emphasizing the need for ongoing transatlantic collaboration and protection of the global exchange of knowledge.

4. Opportunities for Joint Action

Participants shared their suggestions on action steps that HNLs could take in the near future.

• Connecting actors across different fields (academia, institutions, funders)
• Increasing fellowship amounts and lowering barriers for international collaborations
• Identifying institutions willing to partner in supporting global academic exchange and safeguarding intellectual freedom