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Pushed by Trump policies, top U.S. battery scientist is moving to Singapore

science.org

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Re: Pushed by Trump policies, top U.S. battery scientist is moving to Singapore

#3

Post by embedding-shape »

> I was really searching for a position that would let me do my work, which is to translate the fundamental science into industry impact. I’ve been entrusted with a very high position in my home country, but at the same time, I’m seriously concerned that, if I were asked by the [U.S.] Department of War to perform certain tasks, I probably won’t be able to do it. Things like [making better batteries for] drones, or humanoids for war fighting. Maybe they already have their own expertise. But I just don’t want to risk it.

> I also think it’s important that I maintain my reputation as someone who’s always building things, not destroying things. So, I decided it’s probably better for somebody else to [direct the DOE hub].

Really inspiring and hearth-warming to see a scientist to consider the full impact of their work, in such a direct way, and then not only thinking these things, but also acting on them to ensure she feels right with what she does. We really need more of these types of people in the world :)

Re: Pushed by Trump policies, top U.S. battery scientist is moving to Singapore

#4

Post by andsoitis »

embedding-shape wrote: post #3

> I was really searching for a position that would let me do my work, which is to translate the fundamental science into industry impact. I’ve been entrusted with a very high position in my home country, but at the same time, I’m seriously concerned that, if I were asked by the [U.S.] Department of War to perform certain tasks, I probably won’t be able to do it. Things like [making better batteries for] drones, or hu…

And so they chose Singapore, that bastion of human rights? More seriously, it will be interesting to track this person for a few years to see whether they thrive in Singapore. Good luck to her and hope she makes a difference.

Re: Pushed by Trump policies, top U.S. battery scientist is moving to Singapore

#7

Post by xtiansimon »

> “I’ve always been an internationalist,” says Meng, who became a Singapore citizen in 2004, “and I think that…”

Choices and decisions. And what of the scientific community in the US who don’t have ties abroad? Who don’t choose to leave the country?

If the government isn’t funding research, and a university position is not open, then you have to turn to industry. And if that doesn’t turn up, then you’re the most overqualified… librarian?

I’m thinking about the more diffused pattern of students with the aptitude and disposition for science going into industry. Is this the environment which drives more manufacturing in the US?

Is this the vision the administration is chasing? (If you look past the racism and corruption, and presume there is an economic outcome the president and all of the republican congress appears to support him for?)

Re: Pushed by Trump policies, top U.S. battery scientist is moving to Singapore

#8

Post by ndr42 »

andsoitis wrote: post #4
embedding-shape wrote: post #3

> I was really searching for a position that would let me do my work, which is to translate the fundamental science into industry impact. I’ve been entrusted with a very high position in my home country, but at the same time, I’m seriously concerned that, if I were asked by the [U.S.] Department of War to perform certain tasks, I probably won’t be able to do it. Things like [making better batteries for] drones, or hu…

And so they chose Singapore, that bastion of human rights? More seriously, it will be interesting to track this person for a few years to see whether they thrive in Singapore. Good luck to her and hope she makes a difference.

It's not the only reason cited, the first one:

  Meng took the job because she thinks the U.S. has turned away from a commitment to decarbonize its economy.
Also:

  The Trump administration’s immigration policies

Re: Pushed by Trump policies, top U.S. battery scientist is moving to Singapore

#9

Post by ben_w »

andsoitis wrote: post #4
embedding-shape wrote: post #3

> I was really searching for a position that would let me do my work, which is to translate the fundamental science into industry impact. I’ve been entrusted with a very high position in my home country, but at the same time, I’m seriously concerned that, if I were asked by the [U.S.] Department of War to perform certain tasks, I probably won’t be able to do it. Things like [making better batteries for] drones, or hu…

And so they chose Singapore, that bastion of human rights? More seriously, it will be interesting to track this person for a few years to see whether they thrive in Singapore. Good luck to her and hope she makes a difference.

Moving, especially internationally, is disruptive. Even in bad times, you need to look to where things are going, not where they are in the moment. The USA is dropping on various freedom indices; if you move for this reason, you must ask if will it drop further, will it stabilise, or will it recover? And the same for the destinations you consider.

https://ourworldindata.org/grapher/human-rights-index-vdem?t...

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