Aix-Marseille University in France has received nearly 300 applications from US-based scientists seeking “refugee status” due to funding cuts under President Donald Trump’s administration. The university’s Safe Place For Science program offers a safe environment for researchers to pursue their work without government interference.
The applications, which include 242 eligible candidates, come from prestigious institutions such as Johns Hopkins University and NASA. About 20 Americans will be accepted into the program starting in June. University President Éric Berton said that collective efforts are needed to address challenges in scientific research.
The Trump administration’s spending cuts have already led to significant losses for universities and medical research facilities, including billions of dollars under the National Institutes of Health. Other European institutions, such as CentraleSupélec, are also offering financial support to American researchers affected by funding cuts. This trend suggests that US scientists are considering alternatives due to concerns over Trump’s policies on diversity and inclusion in research.
Source: https://www.npr.org/2025/04/18/nx-s1-5368132/us-researchers-scientists-apply-french-university-program