At the "Choose Europe for Science" conference held at Sorbonne University in Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced new initiatives to attract American scientists to Europe amid funding cuts and policy changes under the Trump administration.
In a speech at Sorbonne University, Ursula von der Leyen stated: "Science is an investment and we must offer the right incentives. Therefore, I can announce that we will propose a new package of 500 million euros for the period from 2025 to 2027 to make Europe a magnet for researchers," according to The New York Times.
"If you love freedom, come help us stay free," President Macron said, emphasizing the invitation to researchers to join Europe in preserving freedom, according to The New York Times.
The European Union aims to create a "safe haven" for scientists facing political and financial pressures in the United States, including cuts to federal funding and the suspension of research programs under President Donald Trump. European countries, including Germany, France, and Greece, are positioning themselves as destinations for these individuals.
Von der Leyen highlighted the EU's commitment to reaching a target of 3% of GDP investment in research and development by 2030. "We want to reach the objective of 3% of GDP for investment in research and development by 2030," she said, expressing hope that member states will invest accordingly.
The European Commission President emphasized the importance of enshrining scientific freedom into law. "We consider freedom of science and research as fundamental," von der Leyen said, according to The Hill. She announced plans for a new European Research Area Law to "legally enshrine the freedom of scientific research," strengthening the EU's dedication to academic independence.
"No one could have imagined that this great global democracy, whose economic model depends so heavily on free science, was going to commit such an error," Macron said, referring to the United States' recent actions regarding research, according to Deutsche Welle.
The EU's initiative includes a €500 million package for 2025-2027 to support scientific research and attract foreign researchers, focusing on fields such as health, climate, biodiversity, artificial intelligence, and space. Macron announced an additional €100 million investment to attract foreign researchers to France, particularly in sectors like healthcare, climate, and artificial intelligence.
The "Choose Europe for Science" program, inaugurated at Sorbonne University, was attended by representatives from European countries, universities, and research ministers. The initiative aims to attract outstanding scientists globally.
"We refuse a diktat consisting of any government being able to say you cannot research this or that," Macron said, according to Deutsche Welle. Both leaders emphasized that Europe offers a "free, open, and independent research" environment to researchers worldwide, particularly in light of a global environment where "fundamental, free and open research is questioned."
The European Union plans to introduce a new "super grant" under the European Research Council to offer long-term stability to leading scientists, with top researchers receiving financial aid for seven years. Von der Leyen stated, "This will help support the best and brightest researchers and scientists from Europe and around the world. Our goal is to create a new 'super grant' of seven years to offer a longer-term perspective to the best talents."
Aix-Marseille University in southern France has launched initiatives to welcome U.S. scientists threatened by funding cuts. The university received 300 applications from American researchers after announcing it would open its doors to them. Challenges remain for Europe in attracting U.S. researchers due to lower salaries and research funding compared to the United States. However, experts note that the lower cost of education and healthcare, along with more generous social benefits in Europe, may offset lower pay.
Von der Leyen praised Europe's research infrastructure and international collaboration. "Europe has everything that is needed for science to thrive," she said, emphasizing that Europe has the second-largest scientific output in the world and is home to more than two million researchers.
Macron highlighted the need for "large-scale, long-term investments" in fundamental and applied research, echoing von der Leyen's call for massive investment in higher education and research.
Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that "science has no passport, gender, or ethnic origin, nor does it belong to a political party." She reiterated, "As threats rise across the world, Europe will not compromise on its principles. Europe must remain the home of free academic and scientific values," according to The New York Times.
The article was written with the assistance of a news analysis system.