Arqus participates in the conference “Choose Europe for Science” in Paris

Promoted by French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the conference “Choose Europe for Science” took place yesterday, 5 May, in La Sorbonne University in Paris. It aimed to boost the attractiveness of research in Europe and attract international researchers, with particular attention to US scientists impacted by recent restrictive policies.

Rectors Bruno Lina from the University of Lyon 1 (France), Rui Vieira de Castro from the University of Minho (Portugal) and Daniela Mapelli from the University of Padua (Italy) attended this high-level event on 5 May. They represented the Arqus Alliance, demonstrating our shared commitment to strengthening the European Research and Higher Education Area.

European University Alliances play a leading role in welcoming talented foreign scientists to their institutions, representing Europe’s values and dedication to science, innovation, research and academic freedom. Alliances act as interlocutors for the definition of common strategies at a continental level, and they are capable of mobilising resources, building networks and responding to global challenges with a coordinated voice. Through initiatives such as joint research projects, researcher mobility schemes and capacity-building workshops, Arqus actively contributes to positioning Europe as a global research hub.

The conference “Choose Europe for Science” discussed how to make the European Union a “safe haven” for research freedom and an attractive pole for global scientific talent. Issues such as the defence of academic freedom, scientific independence, international cooperation and technological sovereignty were at the centre of the reflections, together with the announcement of an incentive package of half a billion euros to fund research projects and help European universities cover the cost of bringing foreign scientists over. Arqus is committed to offering a welcoming and supportive environment for researchers facing challenges to academic freedom worldwide.

European University Alliances are key contributors to the relaunch of European research, the promotion of an open and inclusive model of science and the construction of a more competitive, fairer and sustainable Europe. As part of the European University Alliances, Arqus stands ready to transform these ambitions into reality and shape the future of European science.

Through the Talent Scholarship Fund, Arqus has supported 29 Master’s and PhD students pursuing postgraduate studies at one of the nine partner universities. This initiative was particularly committed to refugees, asylum seekers, and students with fewer opportunities.