French university AIX Marseille has proposed that American scientists consider moving to France amid concerns about possible censorship in the United States. The university has launched the “Safe Place for Science” program, which has a budget of 15 million euros. The program aims to support about 15 researchers over the next three years.
This initiative is specifically designed for scientists who fear persecution and constraints on their research, particularly in areas such as climate science, ecology, medicine, and humanities. AIX Marseille is extending an invitation to those seeking an environment conducive to free and innovative scientific work.
Although not explicitly naming former U.S. President Donald Trump, it is evident that the program is a response to his policies. During Trump’s presidency, significant cuts were made to scientific departments, with researchers focusing on climate change, racial and gender equality being particularly affected. Federal funding for organizations like the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) was frozen, leading to job losses at agencies like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (Noaa), which play a crucial role in disaster forecasting.
The proposal from AIX Marseille is seen as a lifeline for scientists who refuse to compromise their research under political pressures. The university’s leadership highlighted the historical context of scientists seeking refuge from persecution in places like Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union by moving to the United States. Now, with changing dynamics, France is positioning itself as a welcoming destination for those seeking academic freedom away from the United States.