UMass Economist Ina Ganguli Discusses US Science ‘Brain Drain’ at ScienceWriters Conference

Ina Ganguli, professor of economics, warned that the United States could face a "brain drain" as scientists and students seek more supportive environments abroad, during a presentation Nov. 8 at the ScienceWriters2025 conference in Chicago.

Speaking at the New Horizons in Science briefing, Ganguli said proposed cuts to federal research funding and new restrictions on foreign students under the Trump administration could accelerate an exodus of research talent.

Ganguli shared findings from studies on how migration and workforce diversity affect scientific innovation. She pointed to historical examples-including scientists' relocations during World War II and the conflict in Ukraine-to illustrate how researchers respond to political instability and lack of government support.

Ganguli's research focuses on labor economics and the economics of science and innovation. She is affiliated with several research institutions, including the National Bureau of Economic Research and Harvard University's Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies.

The conference, organized by the National Association of Science Writers and the Council for the Advancement of Science Writing, brought together journalists, authors, institutional communicators and others from around North America and beyond.