French President Emmanuel Macron has extended an invitation to scientists globally to come and work in France or Europe, particularly in light of the recent funding cuts for universities and research institutions initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration.
While Macron did not specifically reference the United States, it is known that numerous scientists have faced layoffs due to these budget reductions, which coincide with a broader conflict between Trump and prestigious Ivy League universities.
“Here in France, we prioritize research, foster a culture of innovation, and view science as an endless frontier. Researchers from around the globe, choose France, choose Europe!” Macron expressed in a message on X.
Officials from the Trump administration have cited last year’s surge of pro-Palestinian demonstrations on college campuses as justification for their demands on universities. However, many faculty and student groups argue that these actions are intended to suppress free speech, asserting that campuses should be bastions of freedom of expression and academic inquiry.
The challenges facing academics in U.S. universities have sparked optimism among European leaders, who see an opportunity to attract intellectual talent.
On Friday, France introduced the “Choose France for Science” initiative, managed by the French National Research Agency (ANR). This platform allows universities, educational institutions, and research organizations to apply for government co-funding to host researchers.
“France is dedicated to defending academic freedom against global threats,” stated ANR in a press release.
The agency noted that “the international landscape” is fostering unprecedented mobility among researchers worldwide, and France aims to establish itself as a hospitable destination for those looking to advance their work in Europe.
ANR indicated that the platform would enable universities to propose projects aimed at hosting international researchers, particularly in fields such as health research, climate and biodiversity, artificial intelligence, space exploration, agriculture, low-carbon energy, and digital systems.
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