A wave of federal research funding cuts—estimated between $3.3 billion and $3.7 billion to hundreds of universities—has prompted intensified recruitment of U.S. researchers by institutions abroad. Higher‑education leaders and research associations report that universities in Europe, China and Canada are actively courting American faculty, while surveys show many researchers are exploring relocation options. Loss of research talent threatens long‑term innovation capacity and could hinder federally supported programs in climate, health and national security research. University research offices should accelerate retention packages, international partnerships and targeted bridge funding to stem departures, and career offices must prepare for changing talent flows that affect doctoral placements and postdoc pipelines.