America's academic freedom is under assault, warns French President Emmanuel Macron, as he criticizes Donald Trump's proposed academic crackdown.
Rewritten Article:
Emmanuel Macron and Ursula von der Leyen aren't holding back when it comes to voicing their discontent over the Trump administration's scientific research policies. They've taken it upon themselves to entice researchers from the US and beyond to flock to Europe instead.
Addressing an audience at Paris's prestigious Sorbonne University, Macron didn't mince words, stating, "Never in our wildest dreams did we imagine that the world's beacon of democracy, with an economic model rooted in science, innovation, and dissemination, would make such a blunder. Yet, here we are."
"The bedrock of our societies – the very essence of western democracies – hinges on free scientific inquiry," Macron declared. He going on to say, "Without the pursuit of truth, we risk crumbling foundations of democratic societies."
The Trump Administration's crackdown on US universities and research institutions is well documented. They're seeking to slash federal funding and suppress research on topics such as vaccinations and climate change. Yet, the White House maintains, "The US remains the world's largest funder of scientific research and continues to develop the globe's most prominent research ecosystem."
Nevertheless, von der Leyen proposed a €500 million financial package to be spent between 2025 and 2027, championing Europe as a haven for researchers. In her keynote speech, she proclaimed, "Open, free, and unabashed science is Europe's calling card. We must fight tooth and nail to uphold it, now more than ever before."
Echoing von der Leyen, Macron promised an additional €100 million to attract international scientists to France by 2030. Yet, specifics on how these funds will be utilized remain vague.
Macron was unequivocal in his criticism of the US administration, emphasizing the importance of fostering European scientific sovereignty. He lamented, "For so long, we've felt comfortable being hand-in-hand with the Americans. Many Europeans have believed we'd never be deserted. But it turns out, that isn't true."
The US's confrontation with its universities has left many administrators on edge. Trump has escalated his attacks on institutions perceived as overly progressive, even revoking visas for foreign students and researchers.
In reaction to Trump's initiatives, the UK government is gearing up to launch a £50 million program aimed at attracting international research talent to Britain.
Macron and von der Leyen called for a return to the values that have shaped European society – from the Renaissance through the Enlightenment – underscoring the role that science has played in fueling progress.
Macron also linked attacks on expertise to the rise of conspiracy theories and misinformation, which he warns could lead to societal fragmentation. He cited 18th-century French philosopher Voltaire to caution against a "revealed" truth that stifles scientific exploration, stating it undermines society's "ability to disagree, together."
Competing with the US on research and innovation has long been a struggle for Europe, owing to bureaucratic red tape, reduced funding, and underdeveloped links between research institutions and the private sector. In France, top scientific universities are abundant, yet many graduate students have opted for US opportunities, leaving the continent deprived of leaders in emerging technologies like cloud computing and AI.
With profound changes sweeping through the US research landscape, European leaders see an opportunity to gain a foothold. "We must make it simpler and more appealing for researchers to come to Europe," von der Leyen stated, outlining plans to expedite entry processes for scientists and researchers and initiatives connecting highly skilled immigrants with institutions.
"Universities form the cornerstone of our societies and our way of life in Europe," von der Leyen affirmed. "Here, global talent is welcomed with open arms. Progress thrives on freedom, openness, and collaboration." Despite concerns over domestic funding cuts and poor working conditions, Europe strives to carve out a niche as a beacon for those seeking to push the boundaries of scientific knowledge.
- Emmanuel Macron and Ursula von der Leyen are advocating for scientists to move to Europe, criticizing the Trump administration's research policies as detrimental to free scientific inquiry.
- In a bid to attract international scientists, Macron promised an additional €100 million for France, while von der Leyen proposed a €500 million European financial package for the period of 2025 to 2027.
- As a response to the US's confrontation with its universities, the UK government is planning to launch a £50 million program to attract global research talent.
- Macron and von der Leyen are encouraging a return to European values, emphasizing the importance of fostering lifelong learning, education-and-self-development, and open, unabashed science, as they strive to make Europe a competitive player in the realm of investment, policy-and-legislation, and general-news regarding research and innovation.
