Why Academics Are Seeking ‘Scientific Asylum’ in France Amid Concerns Over the American System

In March, Brian Sandberg boarded a flight to the US, anxious about airport security. It was the moment he realized he needed to leave his home country. For months, Sandberg had watched as the Trump administration targeted academia, cutting funding and restricting international students. As he descended toward the US, he feared reprisals for his views on the future of research in the country.

“Things have really changed,” he said. “The entire research and higher education system is under attack.”

Shortly after his flight, Sandberg applied for “scientific asylum” from Aix-Marseille University in France—a program offering support to researchers facing challenges in the US. He was selected as one of the 39 candidates. “The American system is being destroyed at the moment,” he told reporters. “Many don’t grasp how severe the situation is for higher education.”

As reports of funding cuts grew, European universities started efforts to attract US academics. Aix-Marseille University saw a surge in inquiries, with researchers from prestigious institutions like Johns Hopkins and Yale applying for support. Éric Berton, president of Aix-Marseille, likened this to the past when the US welcomed exiled scholars during World War II.

Today, some American researchers feel a need to leave due to increased censorship in their work. They worry about being targeted for speaking out against the government. Lisa, a biological anthropologist, expressed her anxiety: “Scientists are getting detained at the border. If you oppose the government, you can be deported.” The fear is palpable, with many academics opting to remain anonymous in interviews.

Carol Lee, an evolutionary biologist, pointed out how drastic the changes have been. “There’s heavy censorship now. We can’t even use terms like diversity or LGBTQ in grant applications,” she said.

Amid this uncertainty, many researchers are making a move. “There’s a mass exodus happening,” Lee noted. “Top scholars are heading to places like China and Canada.”

For Lisa, the thought of uprooting her family from the US is daunting. “It’s both exciting and nerve-wracking,” she said. As one of the shortlisted candidates, she faces tough decisions about pay cuts and job stability for her schoolteacher husband.

James, a climate scientist, echoed her concerns, sharing his mixed emotions about potentially moving to France. “I’m grateful for the opportunity but saddened that it’s needed,” he said.

These shifts in academia aren’t just about personal choices. They illustrate a broader trend where political climate is shaping the future of research. With many feeling increasingly unwelcome, the quest for academic freedom is leading some to seek refuge elsewhere.

As historian Brian Sandberg’s situation shows, the landscape of higher education in America is changing rapidly, raising essential questions about the future of academic freedom. For more on the impact of this trend, check out resources like the American Association of University Professors and recent reports on the state of academia under the current political climate.

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