The EU takes advantage of Trump’s research cuts to create the “Choose Europe for Science” initiative to attract talent

The Trump administration, eager to cut federal spending, has eliminated grant programs to universities that fund scientific research. Additionally, the president’s push to control the admissions process for international students at many of the country’s top universities could lead prospective students to universities in other geographies.

The European Union, and in particular, some members, have been quick to jump on these actions taken by the White House, and are trying to entice researchers to their campuses.

This week, the Scientific Council of the European Research Council (ERC) was offered a “substantial” increase to their budget by the European Commission, that are to be used “for the development of a new ERC funding instrument offering larger, longer-term grants.”

Choose Europe for Science campaign unveiled in Sorbonne

At the “Choose Europe for Science” conference hosted in Sorbonne this week, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the new “super grants,” which have received support from other EU leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron. To date, not many details about the emerging program have been released to the public, but the news comes after reporting in various outlets, including The Guardian, that EU leaders have urged the EU Commission to act quickly, as they see a real opportunity to attract researchers as future funding and the ability to conduct independent research is threatened in the United States.

Marcon extends a hand to researchers looking for a new academic home

Macron also made a speech at the conference where he called on “researchers from across the world [...] to unite for and with Europe.”

He noted that European institutions will allow for researchers to participate in “open debate” and that those disagreements may arise, that it is those “controversies” that will allow science to continue moving forward “in an open way.” The French president made clear that he was not only speaking to those established in the sciences but to young people, particularly young women, to contribute to the project of science in the service of humanity.

The issue of pay...

Though some researchers within the university and government system in the US are able to take home sizeable incomes, the scant pay to those in Europe has been a complaint for years.

Understanding that lower pay might lead some in the US considering a move across the pond to rethink their plans, President von der Leyen, said that the Commission would be “increasing support to early career scientists through the Choose Europe pilot under Maria Skłodowska-Curie.”

“Those that choose Europe will benefit from higher allowances and longer contracts,” noted the leader, adding that researchers focused on AI and other “frontier fields” would be the first to benefit. von der Leyen stated that it is the goal of the Commission that the block will “reach 3 percent of GDP [...] for investment in research and development by 2030.

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