Paris – French President Emmanuel Macron has made a bold appeal to the global scientific community, urging researchers to relocate to France or Europe. His message comes in response to sweeping funding cuts in the United States under President Donald Trump’s administration.
Macron to Global Scientists: ‘Choose France, Choose Europe’ as US Slashes Research Funding
Without naming the US directly, Macron posted on X: “Here in France, research is a priority, innovation a culture, science a limitless horizon. Researchers from all over the world, choose France, choose Europe!”
Here in France, research is a priority, innovation is a culture, and science is a boundless horizon. Researchers from around the world, choose France, choose Europe! See you on May 5.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) April 18, 2025
His remarks follow the dismissal of hundreds of scientists across American institutions, sparking global concern about the future of academic freedom in the US.
The Trump administration has pointed to last year’s surge of pro-Palestinian protests on university campuses as part of the reasoning behind its clampdown. However, critics argue that these measures are a veiled attempt to stifle free speech and restrict intellectual debate.
Faculty members and student bodies across the US have voiced concerns, warning that universities risk losing their role as spaces of academic independence and open discourse.
Sensing an opportunity, European leaders are positioning themselves as an alternative for displaced talent. On Friday, France unveiled the “Choose France for Science” platform, an initiative led by the French National Research Agency (ANR).
This programme will allow universities, research organisations, and academic institutions to apply for government-backed co-funding to host international scientists.
A dedicated application portal for foreign researchers is set to go live on 5 May, according to the French government’s newly launched website.
In a statement, the ANR underlined France’s commitment: “France is committed to standing up to attacks on academic freedom across the globe.”
The agency also noted that “The international context is creating the conditions for an unprecedented wave of mobility among researchers worldwide,” and that France is determined to be a welcoming destination for global talent.
The new platform will support research proposals across key sectors, including:
- Health sciences
- Climate and biodiversity
- Artificial intelligence
- Space studies
- Agriculture
- Low-carbon energy
- Digital systems
This broad focus is part of France’s long-term vision to lead in innovation and scientific development.
First US Scientists Arrive in June
The announcement comes on the heels of news that the first batch of US researchers, affected by recent budget cuts, will begin working at a French university in June.
Aix-Marseille University, one of the country’s leading institutions, reported a surge in applications after unveiling its “Safe Place for Science” programme in March.
University president Eric Berton commented on the initiative: “We want to see a new status of ‘refugee scientist’ created, and for more US researchers to be welcomed in France and Europe.”
As the United States tightens its grip on academic funding, Europe, spearheaded by France, is stepping in to offer stability and support to displaced scientists.
Macron’s open invitation signals a broader strategic shift: one where intellectual freedom and innovation are defended, not diminished. The move could reshape global research dynamics—and give Europe a powerful edge in the scientific world.
