Research News
Many American young researchers prefer to remain in their own country even during their postdoctoral period. This is not only due to campus life being so enjoyable there (here Stanford University Campus), but also owed to the fact that they know so very little about the good research conditions in Germany. Photo: Wikipedia/Jawed Karim
Brain Circulation Instead of Brain Drain
Germany's policy of clear-cut funding of research and education meets with world-wide attention. This now has become apparent again during talks in the context of the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in Washington. Germany as a scientific site is not only absolutely competitive but characterised by real advantages compared to many other countries.
The Joint Initiative for Research and Innovation, for example, guarantees extramural research institutions an annual growth of 5 percent. This security, envied by many, enables basic research in particular to enter into long-term strategic planning and thus allows for the realisation of true breakthroughs. Conversely, many US scientists do not know whether and for how long they can continue their project and are forced to plan for shorter periods of time. Even so, it is remarkably difficult to win over foreign scientists researching in the USA towards spending a research period in Germany. Above all, this is due to two reasons: Firstly, Germany as a research site does not present itself offensively enough; many American scientists are simply not aware that Germany offers excellent opportunities. Secondly, the American research system does not reward a career step abroad: Those who decide to spend a certain period of time in, for instance, Europe, subsequently face difficulties settling back into the American scientific system. Therefore, a research period in Germany is rather seen to impede a career and as yet not perceived as an enrichment. The case is quite different with German scientists currently researching abroad. After a few years, most of them prefer to return home, for instance, to head a Helmholtz Young Investigators Group. The so-called brain drain thus is rather a brain circulation. Which is precisely what we encourage. After all, research always is oriented internationally and a period of research in a different country is an important element in pursuing a scientific career. At the same time we now have to additionally increase our endeavours to attract more international top-level and young scientists to spend time in Germany.
