France's largest university, the Université d'Aix-Marseille, has reported growing interest from American scientists considering moving to France amid concerns about censorship of scientific research in the United States under the Donald Trump administration. Scientists considering so-called "scientific exile status" include representatives from NASA, Yale University, Stanford, the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other scientific institutions, 404Media reports.
Last week, the University of Aix-Marseille launched a Safe Place for Science program, which invites scientists who feel their work is at risk in the United States to continue their research in France. Today, the university announced that more than 40 American scientists have already expressed interest in moving, and that it is looking to expand the program to other European countries to help as many researchers as possible.
Eric Burton, president of Aix-Marseille University, called the situation "a new brain drain" and stressed that France is ready to support scientists affected by the restrictions.
"We will do everything in our power to help as many scientists as possible continue their research. However, we cannot meet all demands on our own," Burton said. "The Ministry of Education and Research is fully supporting and assisting us in this effort, which is intended to expand at both national and European levels."
The program provides funding of 15 million euros for 15 researchers. In addition, regional authorities and the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry are working to facilitate the relocation of researchers and their families, providing assistance with employment, housing, children's education, transport and visas.
The President of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Regional Council, Renaud Muselier, expressed full support for the initiative.
"We are doing what is necessary to provide them with the best living environment. We are ready to welcome them and will make them true children of the country," Muselier said.
The initiative comes amid massive cuts and freezes in funding for U.S. science institutions during the Trump presidency. In particular, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under Elon Musk has cut federal grants to the National Science Foundation (NSF) and NIH, and laid off thousands of employees at federal agencies, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which is responsible for forecasting natural disasters.
One scientist considering moving to France spoke about the impact of new political decisions on his work.
"The current Executive Orders have led to a termination of one of my research grants. While it was not a lot of money, it was a high profile, large national study," the scientist told 404 Media. "While I have not had to lay off staff as a result of that particular cancellation, I will have to lay off staff if additional projects are terminated. Everything I focus on is now a banned word."
The Trump administration has restricted funding for scientific research related to climate change, gender, race, and equality, and has removed these terms from official government websites and programs.
"It is surreal that people are so scared and silent, because scientists and administrators are worried about losing ALL of their funding or MOST of their funding if they appeal or speak out against terminated grants," the scientist explained. "I have been shocked that many in academic leadership seem to not see how similar these actions are to other totalitarian regimes—which have taught us that we have to push back hard on EVERYTHING that is unethical and inhumane, not just the thing that affects us personally the most."
The statement from the University of Aix-Marseille indicates an unprecedented level of concern among the US scientific community, especially among researchers in fields that have been threatened by new political restrictions.
The Safe Place for Science program is still limited in scope, but the university is working with other European institutions to expand opportunities for scientists who want to leave the U.S. Depending on the level of international funding and support from European governments, France could become a key refuge for researchers who fear their work in the U.S. could become impossible.