Université Paris-Saclay ready to welcome American scientists alongside its French and European counterparts
Université Paris-Saclay is extremely concerned, as are many other higher education institutions, about the recent decisions taken by the American government, in particular those linked to science and academic freedom, which are the very foundation of our democracies. This is why Université Paris-Saclay is deploying its initiatives and programmes for international scientists to encourage American researchers who are interested in joining the university.
The role science has to play in society is crucial and should not be called into question. Academic freedom for academics and respect for their work are essential in ensuring that they are able to carry out their work, produce and share scientific knowledge, and educate new generations. These principles, which are being challenged today, help to enlighten members of society and develop critical thinking among citizens, so that they are able to fully exercise their rights and contribute to democratic society.
That is why, in response to the Stand Up for Science movement in the United States, and the threats facing scientific institutions today, Université Paris-Saclay has joined the Stand Up for Science movement and is supporting its related initiatives, including the rally on 7 March 2025 in the streets of Paris.
Since it was first established, Université Paris-Saclay has launched and coordinated various initiatives to welcome international students and researchers. These existing initiatives form a foundation for welcoming colleagues from the United States who are interested in pursuing their research in one of the university’s 220 top-level laboratories, in particular in environmental science, climate change, health, humanities and social sciences.
As part of a drive to help and support American students and researchers, Université Paris-Saclay will launch PhD contracts and fund stays of various durations for American researchers. In addition to these specific aids for colleagues in the United States, the university also has the possibility of hosting them as part of the following programmes:
- The Alembert research chairs offer stays of six to twelve months to highly qualified international scientists in one of the university’s laboratories.
- The Chateaubriand fellowship programme, co-funded by the French Embassy in the United States, is open to PhD candidates enrolled in a higher education institution in the United States, and funds stays of four to nine months.
- Tenure-track positions for PhD holders (or equivalent) are recruited on the basis of a research or teaching project.
In accordance with its values, Université Paris-Saclay hopes that France and Europe will launch initiatives to support and help our colleagues in the United States, particularly those working in the most affected disciplines and research areas. The university is working towards this as a member of various academic networks and associations, both nationally (e.g. France Universités and Udice), and in Europe, as part of discussions to extend current initiatives (scholarships and specific programmes) and launch new measures. Université Paris-Saclay is ready to take action as part of national and European frameworks, like the Make our Planet Great Again programme, which was launched in 2017, and which resulted in a dozen American researchers and students joining some of the university’s laboratories.
“The academic freedom of scientists is being increasingly challenged internationally, at a time when it is crucial for science to remain at the heart of our concerns. This is why Université Paris-Saclay has chosen to take action for our colleagues in the United States and help them to continue their work in a peaceful and productive environment,” said Camille Galap, president of Université Paris-Saclay.