SUPRA is deeply concerned about increasing barriers to US entry facing our research community. Many academics, including Australian PhD candidates and early career researchers, are now declining US conference invitations and ending research partnerships due to fears of detention, visa complications, and privacy violations at borders.
These developments have serious implications for our postgraduate community. When researchers cannot attend critical international conferences, they lose valuable networking opportunities essential for career advancement. This is particularly damaging in STEM fields, where access to leading US laboratories and equipment is often crucial for research development. Additionally, reports of device searches at borders raise significant concerns about the security of intellectual property and research data.
SUPRA believes that academic advancement should be based on merit, not impeded by factors related to researchers’ identities or personal characteristics. We urge Australian institutions and government bodies to develop alternative collaboration pathways, enhance support for virtual participation, create domestic opportunities to offset these losses, and advocate through diplomatic channels for fair treatment of Australian researchers.
SUPRA remains committed to supporting all postgraduate students facing these challenges and will continue monitoring this situation closely.
If this issue affects you, talk to your supervisor or contact HDRAC for assistance.
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