The Trump administration’s cuts to universities and scientific research, and its ban on Chinese students, could prove a boon for Australian universities.

Thousands of scientists in the US have lost their jobs or grants and Australia could benefit from their skills.

Australia’s “Global Talent Attraction Program,” announced in April, promises competitive salaries and relocation packages.

“In response to what is happening in the US, we see an unparalleled opportunity to attract some of the smartest minds here.” said Anna-Maria Arabia, head of the Australian Academy of Sciences.

Since the Second World War, the US has invested vast amounts of money in scientific research carried out at independent universities and federal agencies.

This helped the US to become the world’s leading scientific power — and has led to the invention of cell phones and the internet as well as new cancer treatments.

But the Trump administration is shaking up that system.

Since taking office in January, President Trump and his administration have alleged there is waste and inefficiency in federal science spending and has made major cuts to staff levels and grant funding at the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, NASA and other agencies.

It has also slashed research funding that flows to some private universities.

The result is a brain drain with governments and universities around the world seizing an opportunity.

Meanwhile, Australian universities are preparing to enrol so called ‘academic refugees’ from the US after the administration banned all students from China.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced the US will “aggressively revoke visas for Chinese students”.

There are 227,000 Chinese students studying at US universities. Australian universities enrolled more than 150,000 students from China last year, even though the government has ordered Home Affairs to slow student visa processing over concerns about a lack of housing.

But Federal Education Minister Jason Clare said Australia would welcome genuine international students.

“International education is a valuable national asset to Australia. It doesn’t just make us money, it makes us friends,” he said.

Universities Australia CEO Luke Sheehy said Australia’s universities were open to the world.

“If any students are displaced by policy decisions overseas, Australian universities stand ready to support those affected – whether they are Australian citizens or international students seeking to continue their studies,” he said.

“We believe deeply in the value of international education, not only for students whose lives are changed by it, but for the global collaboration it enables across research, innovation and shared challenges”.