‘Stop the xenophobia’ — South African researchers sound alarm on eve of election South Africa’s scientists want the next government to halt declining funding and urge universities to do more to protect international researchers from attacks. By Sarah Wild

https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-024-01547-x?utm_source=Live+Audience&utm_campaign=29096efd03-nature-briefing-daily-20240529&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_b27a691814-29096efd03-50432164 As South Africa votes in today’s general election, scientists hope that the next government will halt declining funding and protect international researchers from attacks. Some have voiced concerns that xenophobic rhetoric used during the election campaign could stoke further violence against international university staff and students, particularly those from elsewhere in Africa. “Colleagues [from other African countries] tell us outright: ‘We don’t see a long term future for ourselves here,’ given this creeping xenophobia on campuses as well as in the broader community,” says education researcher Jonathan Jansen.