French President Emmanuel Macron has extended an invitation to scientists around the globe, urging them to consider relocating to France or elsewhere in Europe, following significant research funding cuts by the United States under President Donald Trump’s administration. Without directly naming the US, Macron took to social media to declare France’s commitment to science, innovation, and academic opportunity, positioning the country as a sanctuary for global researchers.
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The Trump administration’s reductions have seen hundreds of academics dismissed, particularly at prestigious Ivy League institutions. Officials in Washington have linked the move to recent pro-Palestinian campus protests, arguing that universities have failed to curb what they see as extremist ideologies. However, critics argue these actions undermine freedom of expression and academic independence, pointing to an ideological agenda targeting dissent.
France, seizing the moment, has launched the “Choose France for Science” initiative through its National Research Agency (ANR). The programme allows French universities and research bodies to apply for co-funding to host displaced or mobile researchers. In a statement, the ANR reaffirmed France’s stance in defending academic freedom and noted the current global climate was driving unprecedented movement among scientists.
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The initiative will prioritise fields seen as globally crucial, including health, artificial intelligence, biodiversity, low-carbon energy, digital systems, and space research. Macron’s appeal is widely interpreted as part of a broader European effort to attract top academic talent, capitalising on uncertainty within US higher education and reaffirming France’s status as a leader in global research and innovation.
