Coercive Recruitment Attempt at Laval University Infiltrates US Campuses

Coercive Recruitment Attempt at Laval University Infiltrates US Campuses

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Quebec City steals the spotlight, wooing disillusioned scientists

In a move to capitalize on the tumultuous political climate south of the border, Quebec City is rolling out the red carpet for scientists disheartened by the Trump administration. The town's mayor, Bruno Marchand, is leading the charge, inviting citizens to donate their tax refunds to help Laval University (UL) recruit top-notch international talents.

Sophie D’Amours, UL’s rector, sees a full-blown war against science brewing in the United States. With a Vice-President that considers universities as enemies, Quebec City could well be the beacon of hope for academics in distress.

Standing united, Quebec City's economic arm abroad, Quebec International, and UL are striving to position the capital as an attractive destination for American and international researchers, much like the University of Montreal, the University of Toronto, and European institutions.

According to a survey in the prestigious journal Nature, a staggering 75% of the 1,600 American scientists polled intend to leave, primarily for Europe and Canada, feeling unwelcome in their own country. UL sees this as a prime opportunity to bring American researchers, as well as other scientists who planned to head stateside, to the capital.

"We're in a unique position now," the rector emphasized, given that UL will be filling around 70 professor positions this year, one of the most extensive annual recruitment plans in the university's history. To secure the best talent, they're thinking beyond quantity and focusing on finding high-quality scientists who align with their domains of expertise.

"When you're managing a hockey team and you need a defenseman, you don't recruit a right winger," the rector explained. This recruitment campaign aims to attract scientists in the strategic niches of optical photonics, clean technologies, and life sciences.

However, promising quality of life isn’t enough to lure the crème de la crème of the scientific world. To overcome challenges such as bureaucratic hurdles and the language barrier, higher levels of government must step in to provide financial support and customized francization programs for university faculty and their families. UL already offers francization programs funded from its own budget, but recognizes the need for additional government assistance to elevate its international appeal.

Emphasizing the importance of collaboration, Mayor Marchand encourages citizens to donate their tax refunds to support UL, enriching the entire community through advancements in science.

Meanwhile, top-tier scientists aren't the only targets. The ongoing trial of Gilbert Rozon, former head of Just For Laughs, has resulted in testimony from prominent figures like Pénélope McQuade, Salomé Corbo, and Veronique Moreau, accusing Rozon of sexual misconduct. These revelations have prompted conversations about the need for a safe and supportive environment for women in the academic and entertainment industries.

Insights:Universities like Laval University may employ various strategies to attract top-tier scientists, including offering competitive research opportunities and fostering a collaborative environment. However, several challenges remain, such as competition from other institutions, funding constraints, and bureaucratic hurdles. To overcome these hurdles, universities may need to emphasize their strengths in research, collaboration, and quality of life, while also streamlining recruitment and integration processes.

• Trump’s hostility towards science since his return to power
• American universities unite against interference from Trump
• The struggle for women in academia: A deeper look

1. In light of Trump's hostility towards science since his return to power, Quebec City is capitalizing on the opportunity to attract disheartened scientists.
2. Quebec City's economic arm, Quebec International, and Laval University (UL) are collaborating to position the capital as an attractive destination for American and international researchers.
3. The recruitment campaign by UL aims to bring in top-tier scientists in the strategic niches of optical photonics, clean technologies, and life sciences.
4. Academic institutions, including UL, may face challenges such as bureaucratic hurdles and the language barrier in attracting international talent.
5. To foster a safe and supportive environment for women in academia, it's crucial to address issues like sexual misconduct, as demonstrated by the ongoing trial of Gilbert Rozon.
6. As education-and-self-development, online-education, and general-news sources focus on the political climate's impact on science and academia, it's essential for universities like UL to adapt their strategies to prevent the loss of top talent in an increasingly competitive landscape.

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