French university calls out to US-based scientists

Marseille opens a Safe Place for Science program

The US has long been known as a champion of academic excellence and research. Yet the current administration’s ideological purging of universities is putting many research programs in peril.

A French university is jumping into the gap being created by launching a Safe Place for Science program. Aix Marseille University aims to provide “a safe and stimulating environment for scientists wishing to pursue their research in complete freedom”.

A major player in research in Europe, Aix-Marseille University boasts state-of-the-art infrastructure, large-scale international collaborations and strong support for scientists committed to disruptive and forward-looking themes.

Research cluster in the south of France

The funding of positions, in particular those related to climate, the environment, health and the humanities and social sciences (SHS), will be paid by the AMIDEX Foundation, a body that is developing a higher education and research cluster in the south of France.

"We think we will be able to release up to 15 million euros for a 3-year program and will work with the institutions of the territory to welcome about fifteen researchers," according to Eric Berton, President of Aix Marseille University.

(Michael Leahy. Photo: Unsplash)