On Monday, the European Union kicked off its initiative to draw scientists and researchers to Europe through grants and new policy proposals following the freezing of government funding related to diversity, equity, and inclusion by the Trump administration.
“A few years back, it would have seemed unimaginable that one of the world’s major democracies would terminate a research initiative simply because it included the word ‘diversity,'” stated French President Emmanuel Macron at the “Choose Science” event in Paris.
“No one would have believed it possible for a significant democracy to hinder a researcher’s chances of obtaining a visa,” Macron remarked. “Yet, here we are.”
Ursula von der Leyen, head of the European Commission, joined Macron at Sorbonne University, announcing a new “super grant” program aimed at offering “long-term perspectives and a prime viewpoint” in various disciplines.
She specified plans to allocate 500 million euros ($566 million) between 2025 and 2027 to “make Europe a beacon for researchers,” with funds directed to the European Research Council, which boasts a budget exceeding 16 billion euros ($18 billion) from 2021 to 2027.
Von der Leyen emphasized that the 27 EU nations aim to “institutionalize the freedom of scientific inquiry” with new legislation. “As global threats increase, Europe will not compromise on this principle,” she asserted.
Macron announced that the French government will shortly present new initiatives to bolster investments in science and research.
Recently, hundreds of university researchers in the U.S. faced funding cuts from the National Science Foundation due to an executive order from President Trump, impacting programs focused on diversity, equity, inclusion, and misinformation.
To date, over 380 grant projects have been eliminated, including efforts to combat internet censorship in China and Iran, as well as initiatives working with Indigenous communities to study environmental changes in Alaska’s Arctic.
Several of the affected grants aimed to diversify the demographics of individuals pursuing studies in science, technology, and engineering, prompting protests from scientists, researchers, and doctors in the streets.
While not explicitly naming the Trump administration, von der Leyen characterized the undermining of free and open research as a “huge miscalculation.”
“Science knows no borders, gender, ethnicity, or political affiliation,” she declared. “We believe that diversity is a vital human asset and the lifeblood of science. It is among the most valuable global resources and must be safeguarded.”
With von der Leyen seizing this opportunity, she is promoting European scientific avenues and leveraging the shift in U.S. policies. Trade relations have altered since Trump took office in January, including a tariff war that began last month.
The former German defense minister and trained medical doctor has committed to addressing obstacles faced by scientists and researchers, particularly regarding excessive bureaucracy and business access.
Macron stated that scientific research should not be dictated by a limited number of individuals.
Macron concluded, asserting that Europe “must become a sanctuary” for scientists and researchers, sending a clear message: “If you value freedom, come here to support our research, help us improve, and invest in our future.”
Source: www.nbcnews.com
