news.volyx.in

Scientific conferences are leaving the US amid border fears (nature.com)

429 points by mdhb · 433 days ago · 409 comments on HN

Article summary

Several scientific conferences in the US have been postponed, cancelled, or moved to other countries due to researchers' concerns about the country's immigration policies. This is causing anxiety among international researchers who are unsure if they will be able to attend conferences in the US. The issue is not new, but it has been exacerbated by recent policies. As a result, some conferences are being relocated to other countries to ensure that all researchers can participate.

Main themes

  • US immigration policies
  • scientific conferences
  • researcher accessibility
  • societal and economic issues
  • activism and protest
  • global perception of the US
  • economic system and inequality
  • individual agency and consumption choices

What commenters say

  • The issue of conferences being affected by US immigration policies is not new, but has been ongoing for decades and has been ignored or minimized until now.
  • The current situation is unique and warrants concern, with conferences being cancelled or moved due to fears about researcher safety and accessibility.
  • The problem is not just about immigration policies, but also about the broader societal and economic issues in the US that are driving people away.
  • Some argue that the US public is not doing enough to protest and challenge the current policies, while others point out that activism is difficult and costly in the US.
  • The impact of the issue will be felt in the long term, with conferences and researchers making decisions based on uncertainty and fear.
  • The situation is not just about the US, but also about how other countries perceive the US and its policies, with some viewing it as a symbol of a broader decline in freedom and democracy.
  • The economic system in the US is also a factor, with some arguing that it is stacked against people who want to protest or engage in activism, and that this is contributing to the problem.
  • Others argue that individuals have the power to make a difference by making conscious choices about their consumption and behavior, rather than just waiting for systemic change.