Nearly 20 percent of scientists weigh leaving US over funding, study says

Nearly 20 percent of US scientists are weighing a move abroad because of federal funding cuts that have only worsened with sequestration.

Most of the 3,700 researchers surveyed by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology reported receiving less money from the federal government than they did three years ago.

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Those funding cuts reached a historic low in March with sequestration.

The sweeping federal budget cuts have decreased funding for research and development projects across a wide swath of government agencies by $9.3 billion, according to the Huffington Post.

Now it appears some US scientists are looking for a way out.

According to the study, 68 percent of respondents don't have the funds to expand their research, 55 percent know a colleague who has lost a job or expects to soon, and 18 percent said they were considering continuing their careers in another country.

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Most no longer believe the United States is a global leader in scientific research.

“The data shows that deep cuts to federal investments in research are tearing at the fabric of the nation’s scientific enterprise and have a minimal impact on overcoming our national debt and deficit problems," said Benjamin Corb, public affairs director for ASBMB.

"I hope leaders from both parties in Washington review these findings and join with scientists to say ‘enough is enough.’"