The European Union has kicked off an initiative aimed at drawing scientists and researchers to the continent, launching this effort with new grants and policies. This push comes in light of the recent freeze on U.S. government funding tied to diversity and equity programs initiated during the Trump administration.
French President Emmanuel Macron highlighted this issue at an event in Paris, noting that a few years ago, it would have been hard to imagine such a prominent democracy canceling research programs simply because they included “diversity” in their titles. He added, “No one thought that such a government would make it harder for researchers to obtain visas. Yet, here we are.”
During the same event at Sorbonne University, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, announced plans for a “super grant” program designed to provide long-term support in research fields. She mentioned that the EU aims to propose a budget of 500 million euros (about $566 million) between 2025 and 2027 to turn Europe into a hub for researchers, which will be funneled into the existing European Research Council, which has a budget exceeding 16 billion euros ($18 billion) for the 2021-2027 period.
Von der Leyen emphasized that the 27 EU member states are committed to safeguarding the freedom of scientific research, asserting that Europe would not compromise this principle as global threats loom. Macron further remarked that the French government will soon unveil new strategies to bolster investments in scientific research.
Last month, a significant number of grants—over 380—were scrapped in the U.S., including projects focused on combating internet censorship in countries like China and Iran, as well as initiatives aimed at consulting with Indigenous communities regarding environmental changes in the Arctic region.
Among the canceled projects were efforts aimed at diversifying the demographics within science, technology, and engineering fields. Some scientists and researchers have even protested these cuts. Without naming the Trump administration directly, von der Leyen remarked that undermining free and open research represents a serious miscalculation.
She expressed the belief that science transcends borders, gender, ethnicity, and political affiliations, stating, “Diversity is a human asset and the essence of science. It is a vital global resource that must be protected.”
Capitalizing on the shift in U.S. policy, von der Leyen seeks to promote European opportunities for scientists. Macron stressed that science should not be dictated by a small group of people and that Europe should serve as a refuge for researchers. He conveyed a simple message to those feeling threatened elsewhere: “If you value freedom, come and conduct your research here. Help us be better and invest in our future.”
