Budget cuts threaten research exchange, funders warn

Continued financial trouble impacts German collaboration with poorest partners and those at risk

Budget cuts have affected several academic organisations and funders, leading to reductions in researcher exchange programmes with developing countries and fewer protections for refugee academics, leading funders have warned.

The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation revealed last week that it will have to cut fellowships by a third in 2022 and 2023, and temporarily cease collaboration on several research hubs in Africa. The government’s budget plans for the next two years are forcing the foundation to make severe cuts, it said in a statement.