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Finding Home

There is a gloomy way to read this story about scientists fleeing America and then a more hopeful one along the lines of a rising tide lifts all ships. If there were great options for research all around the world, science might come out ahead. The talent from America would be fused with the local talent that may have ideas that could not have come without them being a product of that society and culture - things that did not get exported by just remained there. 

One hopes most if not all of the research will be published and accessible around the world. In that scenario, the world benefits from the mashup of talent and intelligence at a scale that had not happened before. Who know how reality will unfold in years to come but I like imagining the better, more hopeful outcome anyway. It is great to see that there are harboring arms for our best and brightest around the world. 

Last month, France's CentraleSupélec announced a $3.2 million grant to help finance American research that had been halted in the states. And Netherlands Minister of Education, Culture and Science Eppo Bruins wrote in a letter to parliament that he requested to set up a fund aimed at bringing top international scientists to the Netherlands.

There is some evidence that these entreaties are reaching curious ears.

It is possible that there will come a time, when these folks will have a reason and incentive to return to America and bring back a lot more than they had felt with.

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