Research investment is a necessity, as asserted by Philippe Baptiste.
Tuesday, May 6th, at the 'Choose Europe for Science' summit, Emmanuel Macron and Ursula von der Leyen called upon American scientists to relocate to Europe to continue their research. Despite France's financial struggles, it could welcome countless scientists. Philippe Baptiste, Minister of Higher Education and Research, stated, "we don't have a choice. Investing in research is investing in the future." He continued, "Our goal is simple: we prefer a France of culinary delights and picturesque Loire Valley castles or a forward-thinking France, a significant economic power, and for that, we need innovation and research."
Multi-billion Dollar Investment in Research
Minister Baptiste reiterated the importance of enhancing research conditions both domestically and on the European level, expressing concerns over the delay compared to the United States, Israel, and South Korea. He confirmed EU-provided funds of €500 million and domestic funds of €100 million for attracting foreign researchers. Notably, the yearly budget allocated to research amounts to €20 billion.
Witness the full interview in the video above.
Enrichment Data
Key EU-France Collaborations:The "Choose Europe for Science" conference held on May 5, 2025, in Paris, organized by Emmanuel Macron and Ursula von der Leyen, focused on financial incentives and strategic alignment to tackle U.S. research unpredictability. Von der Leyen announced a two-year €500 million EU package that supports relocations and Macron emphasized expanded French university funding for relocation costs [2][3].
Primary French Initiatives:- CNRS Recruitment Drive: France's national research agency is actively targeting foreign and expatriate scientists, including those influenced by the turbulent U.S. political climate, with targeted outreach in areas such as AI, climate science, and health [1][2].- “Safe Place for Science” Initiative: Aix-Marseille University has garnered significant interest after offering sanctuary to U.S. researchers facing funding threats, under Macron's broader plan to establish France as a hub for "universalist" research [2].
Targeted Sectors and Strategy:The EU-France partnership prioritizes health, biodiversity, space, and AI to bolster Europe's technological autonomy. Macron's office frames these endeavors as safeguarding Europe's "strategic interests" against U.S. research politicization [2][3].
Future Plans:The collaborative efforts aim for long-term improvements to EU research infrastructure, with Macron advocating for ongoing funding to counter U.S. volatility. Von der Leyen's €500 million package may be expanded if initial relocations prove successful [3].
- Minister Baptiste emphasized the need for enhanced research conditions in France and Europe, highlighting concerns about lagging behind countries like the United States, Israel, and South Korea.
- In order to attract foreign researchers, Minister Baptiste confirmed the allocation of €500 million from the EU and €100 million from domestic funds.
- The annual budget allocated to research in France amounts to €20 billion, suggesting a significant investment in the field.
- During the 'Choose Europe for Science' conference, Ursula von der Leyen announced a two-year €500 million EU package to support researcher relocations, while Emmanuel Macron emphasized expanded French university funding for such purposes.
- The partnership between France and the EU prioritizes investments in health, biodiversity, space, and AI, with the aim of bolstering Europe's technological autonomy and safeguarding its strategic interests.
