French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are set to host a major science conference in Paris today aimed at attracting US researchers unsettled by the policies of President Donald Trump.
Held at Sorbonne University, the “Choose Europe for Science” conference brings together EU commissioners, scientists, academics, and research ministers to discuss financial incentives and support structures for scientists considering a move to Europe.
The initiative responds to growing political and financial challenges in the US scientific community, including federal funding cuts, program closures, layoffs, and fears of deportation among foreign students with dissenting political views.
Macron has long encouraged foreign scientists, especially Americans, to relocate to France. Last month, he launched a funding scheme to help universities and research institutions support incoming international researchers.
Some institutions are already acting. Aix-Marseille University introduced a “Safe Place for Science” program in March, reporting a surge in applications from US-based scientists. The CNRS, France’s top research body, has also launched new efforts to attract both foreign researchers and French scientists working abroad who are wary of raising families in what they describe as a politically hostile US.
“Europe is becoming a beacon for academic freedom at a time when it’s under threat elsewhere,” a Macron aide said. France and the EU are particularly targeting talent in sectors like health, climate, biodiversity, AI, and space.
Though Europe lags behind the US in researcher pay and overall funding, French officials argue that advantages such as lower healthcare and education costs, generous social benefits, and quality infrastructure make up for the difference. France may fund up to 50% of select research projects and offer tax incentives.
Non-EU countries like Norway, Switzerland, and the UK are also participating in the conference, reflecting a broad European effort to position the continent as a global science hub.
