Trump Administration's Ideological Funding Criteria Strains U.S.-Australia Research Ties

Australian universities and CSIRO face funding cuts and compliance demands as officials weigh responses to a $600 million research gap.

Seven Australian universities and the CSIRO have seen U.S. research funding cut or frozen, with compliance questionnaires targeting DEI, climate, and gender policies.
The Trump administration's policy ties funding to alignment with U.S. political priorities, including opposition to 'gender ideology' and 'environmental justice.'
The Australian Academy of Science has called for an emergency meeting to assess risks and develop strategies to address the funding gap.
Australian officials and researchers warn of long-term impacts on critical research areas like vaccine development and climate monitoring.
The Australian government has not committed to filling the funding gap, with further clarity on the U.S. review expected in April 2025.