[Report by Zhao Jiandong] According to a report by the British “The Guardian” on May 5th, as the Trump administration intensifies its multifaceted crackdown on American academia, numerous European academic institutions have begun implementing measures to attract American scholars. The report mentions that nearly 300 scholars have started applying for the “Science Sanctuary” program at French universities. In response to the suppression tactics of the US in academia, a university president from France stated, “History has taken a tragic turn.”
The “The Guardian” reported that in March this year, during a flight to the US, historian Saunders was worried about being intercepted at security checks. At that moment, it became clear she needed to leave the country. Over the months, Saunders has witnessed the Trump administration’s cuts in funding, targeting international students, and even designating certain research areas and keywords as off-limits.
“This has made you think about your role as a researcher and the principles of academic freedom,” said Saunders, “The situation has really changed… The entire US research and higher education system is actually under attack.” Shortly afterward, she became one of nearly 300 researchers applying for the “Science Sanctuary” program at French universities. The program, initiated by Aix-Marseille University in France, is Europe’s first initiative to provide sanctuary for scholars affected by the US academic crackdown, promising three years of funding for approximately 20 scholars.
The “The Guardian” mentioned that Saunders was listed among the 39 applicants for the program last week. “The current US system is being destroyed,” he said, “I believe many people in the US and Europe are not aware of how deeply the higher education system is targeted.”
The Aix-Marseille University has received hundreds of applications, from Johns Hopkins University, NASA, Columbia University, Yale University, and Stanford University, among others. The university has already received over 500 consultations.
“There are now many reviews, which is crazy,” evolutionary biologist Carole Lee said, pointing out that there are a series of words considered banned in research funding applications. “We can’t use many words. We’re not allowed to use ‘diversity’, ‘women'”
Despite the rapid changes causing many to worry about the future, many are unwilling to take the risk. “People are indeed leaving,” Lee said, “Many top talents have already moved to China. China is laying out red carpets. If someone receives an invitation from Canada, they will also move to Canada.”
Eric Berton, the president of Aix-Marseille University, described the world facing a “historic” moment. “Over 80 years ago, when France was occupied and oppressed, the United States welcomed refugee scholars and extended a helping hand, allowing science to continue,” he said, “Today, history has taken a tragic turn, with some American scientists coming to France seeking a space for thought and research.”