Europe Launches Major Initiative to Lure Scientists Amid U.S. Research Funding Cuts

PARIS — May 24, 2025 In a bold move to position itself as the new global leader in scientific innovation, the European Union has announced a sweeping initiative to attract top-tier researchers from around the world—particularly from the United States, where recent federal policy shifts have caused widespread disruption in the research ecosystem.

At a high-profile event held at Sorbonne University, French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen outlined a package of measures aimed at offering scientists long-term stability, funding, and academic freedom. Macron criticized the U.S. for abruptly cancelling hundreds of research grants and for restricting visa access to international researchers, warning that these actions undermine the foundations of global scientific progress.

Central to the EU’s response is a €500 million “super grant” program, to be distributed between 2025 and 2027 through the European Research Council. These funds will support top researchers in relocating to EU institutions and continuing their work in an environment that pledges to protect scientific freedom and diversity. Von der Leyen also announced plans to codify the freedom of scientific inquiry into European law, a symbolic and strategic signal to researchers concerned by increasing politicization in U.S. science policy.

The initiative directly responds to funding freezes in the U.S., including the Trump administration’s halt of over 380 National Science Foundation grants—many involving themes of equity, climate, and public health. The European Commission is now moving swiftly to absorb displaced research efforts and reinforce Europe’s leadership in open, globally integrated science.

*Sources:
*https://apnews.com/article/europe-us-science-funding-researchers-6a769e6d40c5127d59797e44a2470cfe

*https://apnews.com/article/e989c978f273fb1a94c2e47b78843d64