Meta’s Chief AI Scientist Applauds France’s Bid to Attract US Scientists
The current U.S. administration’s approach towards immigration and research funding has seen significant tightening, leading to challenges in the scientific community. Over the past years, policies have been introduced that have limited immigration, slashed research funding, reduced staffing at major research agencies, and created tension with leading academic institutions.
Seizing on what it sees as an opportunity, France is making an ambitious play to attract scientific talent from the United States and elsewhere. The French National Research Agency, under the aegis of the Education Ministry, recently unveiled a “Choose France for Science” campaign. This initiative seeks to enhance the country’s appeal by promising increased governmental support for universities, research entities, and institutions aiming to lure foreign scientists.
The agency outlined its ambitious goal in a statement, highlighting that the international scenario facilitates a unique wave of researcher mobility. France is positioning itself as a prime destination for those looking to continue their academic pursuits in Europe, capitalizing on the nation’s sophisticated research infrastructure and ecosystem.
The initiative has garnered commendations, including from prominent figures in the tech and science sectors. French President Emmanuel Macron, echoing this sentiment, took to social media to underscore the importance of research as a national priority, calling on global researchers to choose France and Europe as their new professional homes.
Supporting France’s initiative, Yann LeCun, Meta’s chief AI scientist and a noted figure born in France, lauded the plan. LeCun described the move as ‘smart,’ aligning with his previous critiques of the current U.S. administration’s handling of public research funding, which he perceives as detrimental. Recently, he raised concerns about the U.S.’s apparent trajectory to dismantle its public research support, causing many scientists based in the U.S. to consider alternative options.
His observations come alongside a broader discourse among tech leaders critical of the U.S. government’s policies on science and education. Notably, Eric Schmidt, the ex-CEO of Google, has described current U.S. strategies as a wholesale attack on the scientific foundation of America. At a recent summit focusing on AI and Biotechnology, Schmidt commented on the growing disenchantment within the tech community. Some professionals, he noted, are even contemplating relocating to places like London, as the prevailing U.S. environment feels increasingly inhospitable to scientific endeavor.
The interplay of policy and innovation continues to shape the global scientific landscape. With regions like Europe offering a welcoming hand to displaced talent, new epicenters of innovation could potentially emerge, reshaping traditional paradigms. As France moves forward with its enticing proposition, the international research community will be watching closely to see how this dynamic influences global scientific ecosystems.
