Research in a Shifting Political Landscape: Nuclear medicine Researchers’ Perspectives From the U.S. and Abroad

Abstract Purpose To evaluate how policies under the current Trump administration (2025-present) have affected the work of nuclear medicine researchers. Methods An online survey was distributed to corresponding authors who published in the three highest-ranked general nuclear medicine journals between 2021 and 2024. The survey included demographics and items on perceived effects of the current Trump administration, tailored to respondents’ location. Data were summarized descriptively, and a multivariable ordinal logistic regression evaluated factors (age, sex, geographic location, academic degree and rank, and years of research involvement) associated with expected research progress. Results Of 2,570 reachable authors, 117 completed the survey. Among U.S.-based respondents, 68.8% reported that federal funding had become harder or much harder to obtain, 56.3% reported reduced ability to collaborate internationally, and 81.3% reported negative effects of immigration policies on research teams. Political discourse was perceived as worsening the work environment by 68.8%. Among respondents outside the United States, 62.3% reported reduced willingness to work or study in the United States and 66.3% were less willing to attend U.S. conferences. Nearly half (46.6%) were less willing to collaborate with U.S. research groups. Overall, 70.1% of respondents expected nuclear medicine research to progress more slowly or much more slowly under the current Trump administration. No demographic or professional factors were significantly associated with these expectations. Conclusions Nuclear medicine researchers perceive the current U.S. political and policy environment as having a broadly negative impact on funding, international collaboration, and research climate, with most anticipating slower progress in the field.