The KNAW is investigating the impact of recent policy changes by the Trump administration on the work of Dutch scientists. In this series, our members share their experiences, insights into potential consequences, and recommendations for actions the Netherlands should take. Heino Falcke, Professor of Astronomy at Radboud University and KNAW member, discusses the direct effects of Trump's policies on international astronomical projects and emphasizes the importance of European autonomy in science.
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‘US Policy creates uncertainty for international Astronomy’
1. What concrete effects are you currently experiencing from the new US science policy?
‘The primary issue right now is uncertainty surrounding unprecedented science funding cuts planned for 2026 by the Trump administration. Within the international Event Horizon Telescope project, we aim to create images and soon even movies of black holes. This requires extensive planning and preparation. According to the journal Nature, the National Science Foundation (NSF), a key funder of international astronomy projects such as the Event Horizon Telescope, could face budget cuts of up to 56%. Additionally, nearly half of NSF's staff could lose their jobs. Other science institutions, including NASA and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), also face dramatic funding reductions. Europe and the rest of the world simply cannot compensate for budget cuts of this magnitude. This affects not only astronomy but nearly all scientific fields, including medicine, with severe consequences. It impacts both young researchers and senior scientists, posing a direct threat to international scientific collaboration.’
2. What do you see as the greatest threat of US policy for the Netherlands?
‘Our main risk is our dependence on American technology and infrastructure. Many essential telescopes and data facilities are located in the US, along with crucial databases like ADS (Abstract Data Services), which house virtually all astronomical literature. If these databases suddenly become inaccessible due to political decisions, we could lose years of collectively built knowledge. Although previously there were European and Japanese backups of such databases, we are now largely dependent on the US. That concerns me greatly. Commercial satellites, such as those launched by Elon Musk, also disrupt our astronomical observations, potentially complicating the monitoring of asteroids that pose a threat to Earth. Moreover, there is the risk of satellite collisions, leading to a chain reaction of space debris, making space increasingly inaccessible.’
3. What action should the Netherlands take immediately to prevent damage to science?
‘We must strengthen our European scientific infrastructure and ensure that critical databases, such as ADS, are also available in Europe. Organizations such as ESO (European Southern Observatory) and CERN could play important roles here. Additionally, we should strengthen European partnerships and reduce our dependence on major American software companies. For instance, I personally use Mastodon—a European alternative to Twitter—as I believe enhancing European technological autonomy is crucial. Universities should critically examine the software and services we use. Ultimately, we must ensure that we can continue from our own strength, even if American support falls away.’
About Heino Falcke:
Heino Falcke is Professor of Astroparticle Physics and Radio Astronomy at Radboud University Nijmegen. He specializes in research on black holes and holds a leading role in the international Event Horizon Telescope project, known for capturing the first-ever image of a black hole. Falcke is also a member of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW).
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