SAFE Act hinders US-China collaboration | Science
The recently introduced Securing American Funding and Expertise from Adversarial Research Exploitation (SAFE) Act, presented as Amendment 163 to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025, aims to impose strict limitations on U.S. scientists receiving federal research funding. This legislation would effectively bar researchers from accessing federal funds if they have collaborated with scholars from countries deemed adversarial—specifically China, Russia, Iran, or North Korea—within the past five years. The implications of this policy are profound, as it prohibits not only co-authorship on academic papers but also joint research projects and mentoring of foreign postdoctoral scholars.
The rationale behind the SAFE Act is rooted in national security concerns, as lawmakers seek to safeguard sensitive research from potential exploitation by rival nations. However, critics argue that such a blanket policy could severely undermine vital international collaborations that are essential in addressing pressing global challenges, such as climate change, pandemics, and technological advancements. For instance, many significant scientific breakthroughs have emerged from cross-border collaborations that leverage diverse expertise and perspectives. By isolating U.S. researchers from their counterparts in these countries, the SAFE Act risks fracturing crucial partnerships that are necessary for tackling complex issues that transcend national borders.
Moreover, the legislation raises questions about the future of scientific innovation in the U.S. The potential loss of collaborative opportunities could hinder the progress of research and development in critical fields, including medicine, engineering, and environmental science. As the global landscape continues to evolve, fostering collaboration rather than creating barriers may be essential for maintaining the United States’ position as a leader in scientific research and innovation. In a world where challenges are increasingly interconnected, the SAFE Act’s approach may ultimately prove counterproductive, as it prioritizes national security over the collaborative spirit that has historically driven scientific advancement.
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The US Securing American Funding and Expertise from Adversarial Research Exploitation (SAFE) Act, introduced as Amendment 163 to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (1), would bar US scientists from federal funding if they have collaborated within the past 5 years with researchers affiliated with China, Russia, Iran, or North Korea. Prohibited activities include co-authorship on papers, joint projects, and mentoring foreign postdoctoral scholars. Such a blanket policy would fracture essential international partnerships at a moment when global challenges demand cooperative expertise.
