Scientists pull evolution study over fears of deportation and political fallout
Scientists rally in Paris to support US research freedoms (Photo: Getty Images)
Two US-based researchers withdrew their names from a scientific paper on evolution, fearing retaliation and even deportation under the current political climate, leading to the cancellation of the entire project, The Washington Post reports.
Just days before submitting a collaborative paper on the evolution of life and non-living systems, a European evolutionary biologist received an unexpected message from two American co-authors: they were backing out.
One had just lost a position due to a canceled federal grant; the other feared a similar outcome — or worse, such as losing residency status — if their name appeared on the paper.
While the Trump administration hasn’t directly targeted evolution research, the atmosphere of funding cuts and fear has deeply shaken the scientific community.
"[The paper] was months of work, but at the same time I know the current situation, and I’m scared for my friends in the US," said the European co-author, who remained anonymous.
"I told them, 'If you think it is too dangerous, don't do it.'" The paper, intended for a special issue of a Royal Society journal, was never submitted.
Editor Michael L. Wong confirmed the cancellation and said, "The fact that researchers are afraid to share scientific ideas — it is so disheartening."
A chilling effect on global science
The canceled study explored evolutionary processes across both biological and cosmic systems — from species and genomes to post–Big Bang chemical development.
Wong, who described the European scientist as "a real leader in evolutionary thinking," said he was "heartbroken" by the withdrawal. His public post on Bluesky garnered tens of thousands of reactions, reflecting wider concern within the global research community.
This growing anxiety around immigration and academic freedom is not limited to science.
Just days earlier, a Venezuelan man was nearly deported while trying to stay in the US to donate a kidney to his critically ill brother.
In another case, a Texas family was removed to Mexico despite their US-citizen daughter requiring urgent care after brain surgery.
These stories point to a broader trend of fear and instability affecting not only scientists — but anyone caught in the tightening grip of US immigration policy.
