On March 7, 2025, the majority of French university cities mobilised in a demonstration called Stand Up For Science, in solidarity with the movement started in the United States. The purpose of this movement was to defend science and academic freedom in the face of growing threats to research under the Trump administration.
The Dismantling of American Research
Since taking office, Donald Trump has launched repeated attacks on the scientific community, severely impacting the research field. Under the new administration and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, most scientific institutions have seen significant funding cuts. Indeed, federal agencies such as NASA and USAID, responsible for humanitarian international development, have had their budgets reduced by up to 90%.
Academic freedom has also been limited through ideologically motivated policies. A censorship of words has been enforced, banning the use of terms like “climate change,” “social justice,” and even “woman” in grant proposals.
Europe as a Safe Home for Scientific Exile
Faced with this alarming situation, Europe now has the opportunity to become a shelter for science and research. The European Union already provides a solid funding framework through its Horizon Europe program (2021–2027), which has a €95.5 billion budget. But several new initiatives could further strengthen Europe’s position.
According to a survey from the scientific journal Nature, 75% of US researchers are considering leaving the country. Philippe Baptiste, France’s Minister for Higher Education and Research, has mentioned the possibility of taking in scientists fleeing the American continent. In response, Aix-Marseille University has launched a dedicated recruitment program, Safe Place for Science, with a €15 million fund. The initiative has already received numerous applications and, according to university president Éric Berton, “hopes to spark a national movement with other French and even European universities.”
The Benefits of a Scientific Europe
Investing in science is not only a matter of protecting academic freedom, it is also geopolitical and economic strategy. Indeed, the scientific sector is known to boost the economy by developing human capital and with it generating high returns. According to the evaluation of the previous Horizon 2020 program, every euro invested in the program is expected to yield five euros in societal benefit. These investments not only represent an economic contribution but also ensure a higher quality of life across Europe.
A recent World Bank report also demonstrated that investing in research can reduce environmental impacts and therefore save millions of lives, particularly in developing countries. Advances in renewable energy, for example, can help lower greenhouse gas emissions, resulting in a healthier environment for everyone.
Budget Constraints in France
Despite growing enthusiasm, France’s research sector continues to face considerable budgetary challenges. Historian Emmanuelle Perez-Tisserant has highlighted that the higher education and research budget was cut by €1.5 billion in 2024. These reductions have had serious consequences: over 60 of France’s 75 universities have passed deficit budgets for 2025, and more than 30,000 undergraduate and master’s program spots have been eliminated. This situation caused a wave of mobilization among students and researchers, echoing the situation across the Atlantic. While welcoming foreign scientists represents a positive and important initiative, supporting the functioning of local institutions and ensuring funding for students also remains essential. Meanwhile, the EU’s strategic priorities are not geared towards welcoming this American brain drain. The recently adopted Readiness 2030 program, designed to re-arm the EU itself in the face of geopolitical tensions, has been allocated over €800 billion. These investments risk diverting funds away from research, potentially hindering the welcoming of displaced scientists.
Striking a Balance Between Openness and Support
The Stand Up For Science movement marks a pivotal moment for Europe. While the continent may have the opportunity to establish itself as a global hub for research, it must also invest in its own institutions and students. The current climate requires careful balancing to maintain the functioning of its own system.
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