The first American academics fleeing Donald Trump’s America for France have arrived.
Aix-Marseille University last week introduced eight U.S.-based researchers who were in the final stage of joining the institution’s “Safe Place for Science" program, which aims to woo researchers who have experienced or fear funding cuts under the Trump administration. AMU offers the promise of a brighter future in the sun-drenched Mediterranean port city.
While both France and the European Union have launched multimillion-euro plans to woo researchers across the pond since Trump assumed the U.S. presidency in January, AMU’s initiative was the first of its kind in the country — meaning the eight researchers who were welcomed are the first academic refugees planning to trade the United States for France.
Lower wages and lower research budgets in Europe are very tangible problems.
The reason USA attract so many high level scientists and researchers, is that they throw more money at it.Despite that, I’m sure most researchers will find that you can do more with less here in Europe, both on research and with your private economy. And quality of life seems to me to be miles ahead compared to USA.
Attracted
Cost of living is significantly lower, and the social safety net means you don’t need as much anyway.
My gut feel is wages are so much higher in the US because everyone is responsible for looking after themselves if life turns on them, so you’re obliged to stockpile wealth in case you’re suddenly jobless or have a giant medical or education bill to contend with.
This. People can make more in the US because the country doesn’t give a fuck about it’s people. It’s like gambling the health and wellness of you and your family to horde up some Cash.
We call it savings, not hoarding. But yeah. You need it. If you lose your job here, you’re fucked.
One illness and it’s all gone. House, kit and kaboodle.
To be fair, it’s really one serious illness.
Absolutely free healthcare and education are big parts of doing more with less, and quality of life.
But it’s also easier to buy a house or apartment, and quality food is cheaper, and paid holidays and on and on.
We have so many privileges Americans don’t have it’s crazy.
scientists and researchers, is that they throw more money at it.
You seem to be using the present tense there rather than the past tense. Are you sure that’s still true. I was under the impression the Bibulous Bumbling Bill had slashed research budgets (among other things like medicaid) in order to fund billionaire tax cuts.
Not to mention the attempts to proscribe what can be researched that Harvard is currently litigating
Are you sure that’s still true
Yes.
A lot of the highest paying research is corporate. And despite the shit Trump is doing, the wages are still higher at for instance universities too.I have no idea how you can even doubt that, despite Trump is targeting everything that might be humane or to save the earth. Everything that has potential profits will probably receive more. Because USA has become very unattractive in many ways.
Con on your new homes. We’ll miss you but know humanity is better off with you there.
