As the U.S. tightens restrictions on research and academia under President Donald Trump, Europe is moving fast to open its doors. In recent weeks, new initiatives have emerged across the EU and UK aimed at luring frustrated American researchers across the Atlantic.
In a major push, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled a €500 million “Choose Europe for Science” fund, designed to attract top global researchers. This follows April’s “Choose France for Science” initiative and a fresh funding pool launched in the Netherlands. The UK, not to be left behind, introduced a £50 million scheme targeting international researchers.
But is money enough to move minds?
Can Europe Compete With U.S. Research Salaries?
For many scientists in Europe, there’s skepticism. Despite the generous funding headlines, lower salaries and bureaucratic roadblocks remain serious deterrents. Still, some argue that when adjusted for cost of living, Europe research salaries may not trail so far behind after all.
“Sure, U.S. salaries are higher,” says Andreas Schmidt, cofounder of German investor group Springboard Health Angels, “but when you factor in housing, childcare, and school tuition in places like New York or San Francisco, the quality of life in Germany or France may actually come out ahead.”
The reality is more nuanced—and varies widely depending on the country, the sector (private or public), and the seniority of the researcher.
According to data across OECD countries, Switzerland tops the chart when it comes to pay. Postdocs at ETH Zurich start at CHF 92.5k (€98.6k), and assistant professors can earn up to CHF 139k (€148k). At the top end, salaries can reach CHF 263k (€280k). However, these figures come with a caveat: Switzerland also has the highest living costs in Europe, with prices 37% above the OECD average.
Across Belgium, postdoctoral salaries begin at around €61.7k, with senior research directors earning up to €140k. The Netherlands offers a similar range—starting at €40k and rising to nearly €150k for top academics.
In Germany, postdocs average €54k, with senior professors earning close to €100k. However, state-set pay scales and regional variations make the system less flexible. In the UK, salaries start around £34k (€40k) for postdocs and go up to £80k (€95k) for senior academics at institutions like Oxford and Cambridge.
France, by contrast, lags behind. At CNRS, one of the country’s top research institutions, early-stage researchers earn just €28k. Even at the highest level, salaries rarely exceed €79k. “We’re not competitive,” admits Gael Varoquaux, research director at Inria.
R&D Spending and Cost of Living: A Balancing Act
Salaries tell only part of the story. Europe also trails the U.S. in research and development (R&D) spending. In 2022, the U.S. spent 3.59% of GDP on R&D, while the EU fell short of its own 3% target—set over two decades ago. Only a handful of EU countries, like Sweden, Belgium, and Switzerland, have crossed that threshold. The UK spent 2.77% of GDP on R&D.
However, cost of living plays a big role in determining whether a relocation is worthwhile. According to the OECD’s Price Level Index, prices in Switzerland were 37% above the OECD average in 2022, compared to 25% in the U.S. In contrast, countries like Germany, France, and Belgium offer significantly lower costs for housing, healthcare, and education.
A European Commission study found monthly rent for a one-bedroom flat in a nice area costs €2.2k in London and Geneva, but only €1.25k in Berlin and €980 in Brussels. University fees also vary sharply—from €1.5k per year in Belgium to over €11k in England.
For researchers weighing a move from the U.S., the equation is complex. But with the right mix of funding, cost savings, and quality of life, Europe’s research sector may be more attractive than it first appears—especially as governments step up their offers to win over global talent.
