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French research center seeks to lure US-based scientists
France's flagship scientific research center CNRS has launched a new initiative, in an apparent effort to lure US scientists hit by federal research spending cuts under President Donald Trump.
The program aims to attract foreign researchers whose work is threatened and French researchers working abroad, some of whom "don't want to live and raise their children in Trump's United States," said CNRS President Antoine Petit.
According to Petit, the "Choose CNRS" initiative has already resulted in some contacts, although the "vast majority are non-Americans."
The CNRS is Europe's largest scientific research center with some 34,000 staff.
The initiative is part of a broader effort by France and European countries to cash in on US President Donald Trump's massive cuts in funding for education.
Since Trump's return in January, US universities have been threatened with massive federal funding cuts.
Research programs face closure, tens of thousands of federal workers have been fired, whilst foreign students fear possible deportation for their political views.
President Emmanuel Macron urged France's research institutions in March to attract and welcome US-based scientists.
France's "Choose France for Science" initiative launched mid-April with a dedicated platform for applications to host international researchers.
"Some foreign researchers have already arrived in France to familiarize themselves with the infrastructure, waiting for the funds and platform to be set up," France's research ministry said.
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen will attend on Monday a "Choose science choose Europe" event, "at a time when academic freedoms face a number... of threats" and Europe "is a continent of attractiveness," the Elysee Palace said.
In France, the Aix-Marseille University launched its "Safe place for science" program in March. It will receive its first foreign researchers in June.
Petit said the CNRS wanted researchers of all levels, from younger post-doctorates and junior professors to external research directors.
The CNRS also aims to recruit "stars" of international scientific research but money remains the driving force behind scientific research and Petit said the CNRS did not have a "very large" room for maneuver.
"The motivation of a researcher is never the remuneration," he said, but above all "the work environment, with its infrastructure and the opportunity to confront the best" scientists.
Petit expressed hope that the pay gap between scientists in France and the United States will narrow, once the lower cost of education and health, and more generous social benefits are taken into account.
© 2025 AFP
