Research investment is non-negotiable, according to Philippe Baptiste.
Hittin' the Lab in La Belle France: Emmanuel Macron's Pitch to US Scientists
On Monday, May 5th, during the 'Choose Europe for Science' summit, Emmanuel Macron and Ursula von der Leyen extended a warm invitation to American scientists to join the research scene in good ol' France. Philippe Baptiste, France's Minister of Higher Education and Research, buttressed this call, highlighting the country's economic struggles but insisting that France can offer a haven for a slew of researchers. According to Baptiste, "Investing in research is investing in the future," and it's time for the French to make a choice—either continue enjoying their Croissants and Claude-Monet landscapes, or strive to become one of tomorrow's powerhouse economies.
A €20 Billion Research Budget
Baptiste also pointed out the need for better research working conditions at both the national and European levels. He noted that both France and the EU are lagging behind the US, Israel, and South Korea in this regard. Regarding the funding allocated for welcoming foreign researchers, Baptiste disclosed an envelope of €500 million at the European level, and €100 million specifically for France. Additionally, the annual research budget stands tall at an impressive €20 billion.
So, grab a baguette, a handful of grapes, and tune in to the video above for the full scoop on France's appeal to American researchers.
Beyond the Base Article
Behind the Scenes
To attract international researchers, Philippe Baptiste has been pushing for France's 'Choose France for Science' platform, forging a hub of international cooperation and talent attraction[1][5]. Baptiste also welcomes scientists escaping the American continent, emphasizing France's open-door policy for global talent[2].
In his speeches, Baptiste underscores the critical importance of academic freedom for fostering innovation and societal progress[5]. The minister has also been active in addressing the issue of antisemitism in higher education, working diligently to improve prevention and reporting systems[3]. Lastly, Baptiste emphasizes the need for sustainable funding and collaboration between public and private sectors to maintain Europe's leadership in science[5].
It's a delicate balancing act—tapping into the nation's economic potential while safeguarding France's rich cultural heritage. The stakes are high, but as Baptiste suggests, the future belongs to those who dare to innovate and invest in research. Chin up, scientists!
- Beyond the base article, the French government is making significant investments in education and self-development, particularly in the field of science, with a €20 billion research budget and an allocated €100 million specifically for attracting foreign researchers.
- Minister Philippe Baptiste, in his efforts to attract international talent, has advocated for the importance of academic freedom, antisemitism prevention, and sustainable funding in higher education, as well as collaborating with the private sector to maintain Europe's leadership in science, emphasizing that investing in research is a key strategy for fostering innovation and societal progress.
