Europe steps up recruitment of US scientists

Université Paris-Saclay, one of the world’s leading research institutions, has said it is “extremely concerned” about threats to the scientific community in the US, expressing its solidarity with the Stand Up for Science movement and encouraging American researchers to join the university.  

“The academic freedom of scientists is being increasingly challenged internationally, at a time when it is crucial for science to remain at the heart of our concerns,” said Paris-Saclay’s president, Camille Galap. 

“This is why Université Paris-Saclay has chosen to take action for our colleagues in the United States and help them to continue their work in a peaceful and productive environment,” added Galap.  

According to Paris-Saclay’s vice president for research, Mehran Mostafavi, the university has seen an influx of requests from individual scientists and US institutions since Trump returned to the White House.  

“We sense a wave that will be coming to European universities,” said Mostafavi, adding that Paris-Saclay’s international reputation likely added to its appeal.  

The increased recruitment efforts come as three quarters of US scientists said they were considering leaving the country, in a recent poll of more than 1,200 scientists conducted by Nature journal. 

Worry among scientists was most pronounced among early-career researchers, with Europe and Canada being the most popular choices for relocation among the respondents. Meanwhile, international student interest in coming to the US has plummeted by 40% among postgraduates.

Since Trump’s second presidential term, unprecedented cuts to scientific research have included the elimination of $450m in HIV research funding from the National Institutes for Health (NIH), and the termination of NASA contracts worth $420m. 

In recent days, researchers were laid off at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the National Aeronautics Services – which oversees the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Food and Drug Administration – is expected to slash 10,000 jobs.  

75% of American scientists say they’re considering leaving the country

Nature Journal

Université Paris-Saclay is welcoming American colleagues – from doctoral students to junior professorships and research chairs – by spreading awareness of existing opportunities and opening some new positions to cater for increased US demand.  

Among other disciplines, the institution of nearly 50,000 total students is welcoming American colleagues in the fields of environmental science, climate change, health, humanities and social sciences.  

It’s Alembert research chairs, for instance, are open to all nationalities, offering stays of six to twelve months to high-level researchers to come and use one of the Paris-Saclay’s 220 laboratories.  

Additionally, the university has opened five new positions specifically for US researchers who are no longer able to carry out their work and will be creating a specific webpage to communicate all the opportunities to prospective American partners.  

The principles of academic freedom and respect being challenged by the Trump administration “help to enlighten members of society and develop critical thinking among citizens so they are able to fully exercise their rights and contribute to democratic society,” said the University in a statement.  

It expressed its solidarity with the Stand Up for Science movement which saw scientists and academics protest in Washington DC and across the country, as well as over 30 related events organised by scientific communities in France, standing in support of their American counterparts.  

Paris-Saclay is one of dozens of European institutions implementing initiatives to welcome US scientific talent, with discussions underway among the Udice group of French research universities about potential collaboration, pending government announcements, said Mostafavi.  

Last month, 13 EU governments urged the European Commission to increase efforts and funding to attract US scientists to European universities, positioning them as a haven from widespread layoffs and grant cancellations under the Trump aFdministration.  

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