ALLEA, the European Federation of Academies of Sciences and Humanities, has published a statement condemning the proposed U.S. restrictions on international research collaboration. According to ALLEA, the proposal threatens academic freedom and, if implemented, could significantly hinder international scientific cooperation.
The statement responds to the U.S. Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) proposed rule, published on 29 May 2026, which would tighten the conditions for federal research funding, particularly regarding international research collaboration. ALLEA argues that researchers must be free to choose their collaborators solely on the basis of the scientific value of their contributions. According to the statement, the proposed measures would replace scholarly judgement with political criteria that are not clearly defined. This could undermine the reliability of science, international cooperation, and public trust in science.
International collaboration is fundamental to scientific progress. Research depends on the free exchange of ideas, knowledge and expertise across national borders. ALLEA warns that the proposed, broadly defined collaboration restrictions could increase protectionism and lead to the restriction—or even the termination—of international research partnerships.
For many years, academic freedom in the United States has been an important pillar of the global scientific community. Threats to that freedom could therefore have consequences far beyond U.S. borders.
Public comments on the OMB’s proposed rule may be submitted until 13 July. ALLEA calls on research institutions, universities, academies, research funding organisations and individual researchers to participate in the consultation process and defend open international scientific cooperation.
Read ALLEA’s statement here: https://allea.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/ALLEA-Statement-on-new-omb-rule.pdf
ALLEA represents nearly 60 academies from across Europe. Together with its member academies, ALLEA works to improve the framework conditions for research, provide independent and interdisciplinary science advice, and strengthen the role of science in society. The Council of Finnish Academies represents Finland within ALLEA.