ECR Forum Statement on President Trump’s executive order and funding freezes

We are deeply concerned by President Trump’s recent executive order restricting the ability of people to enter or return to the United States, and recent funding freezes at US funding institutions.

We also express our support for those affected, including New Zealand dual nationals, who at the time of writing face significant uncertainty regarding entering the United States.

Given the centrality of the United States within international research activity, and the frequency with which major conferences take place there, the executive order will likely have widespread implications for knowledge sharing, research collaboration, and scientific progress. These implications extend to researchers based in Aotearoa New Zealand, who may be prevented from opportunities to develop skills, collaborate with leaders in their fields, and exchange knowledge about recent advancements.

The implications of these policies will be particularly hard-felt for early career researchers, for whom international engagement and participation in international research fora are especially important as they develop their expertise, networks and careers. The upheaval created by the executive order also highlights the need to reaffirm that international students and staff are welcome in New Zealand’s research institutions, and that New Zealand science, arts and society are enriched by their presence and contribution to knowledge advancement. 

Committee of the Early Career Researcher Forum
Royal Society of New Zealand, Te Apārangi