French President Emmanuel Macron has extended an open invitation to scientists across the globe to conduct their research in France or wider Europe, as the United States faces a wave of funding cuts under President Donald Trump’s administration.
The call, made on Friday via Macron’s official X account, comes as part of the launch of the Choose France for Science platform — an initiative aimed at attracting international researchers to European institutions.
“Here in France, research is a priority, innovation a culture, science a limitless horizon,” Macron said. “Researchers from all over the world, choose France, choose Europe!”
While Macron did not directly name the United States, his message comes in the wake of significant cuts to American universities and research centres.
Hundreds of scientists have reportedly been laid off, sparking concern over academic freedom and the future of innovation in the US.
Trump administration officials have linked the cuts to recent pro-Palestinian protests on American campuses, arguing for increased oversight.
However, critics claim the moves are a veiled attempt to stifle dissent and intellectual expression.
In response, France’s National Research Agency (ANR) is set to launch a dedicated platform on May 5 to help institutions apply for co-funding to host displaced or migrating researchers.
The ANR emphasized France’s commitment to academic freedom and its readiness to welcome scientists affected by political shifts abroad.
“The international context is creating unprecedented mobility among researchers,” the agency said. “France intends to be a home for free thought and global collaboration.”
