Harvard, MIT professors depart for Canada amid academic freedom concerns

Top academics from institutions like Harvard and MIT are relocating to Canadian universities, citing worries over academic freedom.

Canada’s Industry Minister Melanie Joly announced the country recently welcomed 64 researchers. They will receive over 500 million CAD (about 360 million USD) in support over eight years to work at 21 universities across Canada.

Among them, 48 individuals hail from leading American institutions such as Harvard, Cornell, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Their work spans various fields, from medicine and engineering to climate science. The remaining researchers primarily come from Europe and Asia, including repatriated Canadian citizens or dual nationals, according to the Financial Times.

This funding for the group is drawn from Canada’s "Global Impact Research Talent+" initiative, valued at 1,7 billion CAD (over 1,2 billion USD), aimed at attracting top researchers worldwide.

Universities receiving the new personnel collectively welcomed the move, CNN reported. The president of the University of British Columbia, which is hosting 9 researchers, expressed delight in "welcoming outstanding scholars whose work promises profound impact."

Meanwhile, the president of the University of Toronto stated that government support would help build a strong research foundation amidst a volatile international landscape.

Many scientists admit that concerns over the decline of academic freedom in the United States were a primary motivation for their departure. Over one year, the US government has cut funding at many prestigious universities, coupled with increased control measures.

The research community also expressed unease regarding deep government interference in scientific funding allocation, causing disruptions to their work.

Phillip Zamore, an RNA biology researcher at the University of Massachusetts, told WBUR that his reason for leaving was encountering too many obstacles in recruiting staff.

"I cannot contribute my best in the US. I cannot invite the best people to collaborate, nor can I ensure a safe environment for them," Zamore said. He has since joined McGill University.

The brain drain from US to Canadian universities began last year, according to The New York Times.

"While some countries cut research budgets and turn their backs on academic freedom, we double down on investment in science and research. We are thrilled to welcome these excellent professors," Minister Joly stated at a press conference at the University of British Columbia.