Meta’s Chief AI Scientist Calls French Initiative to Attract US Scientists a ‘Smart Move’
Meta’s chief AI scientist, Yann LeCun, praised France’s recent initiative aimed at attracting scientists and engineers from the United States, calling it a ‘smart move.’ LeCun’s endorsement comes in light of increased funding for educational institutions and research organizations in France, as the nation seeks to entice foreign talent amid a tightening research landscape in the US.
The National Research Agency of France announced the “Choose France for Science” initiative, which seeks to enhance government funding for universities, schools, and research organizations.
This initiative is a response to recent U.S. policy changes that have seen a reduction in immigration and research funding under President Donald Trump’s administration.
In a statement, the agency emphasized, ‘As the international context creates the conditions for an unprecedented wave of mobility among researchers around the world, France aims to position itself as a host country for those wishing to continue their work in Europe.’
French President Emmanuel Macron also highlighted the importance of research, urging international researchers to consider France as their next destination. He stated, ‘Researchers from around the world, choose France, choose Europe!’
LeCun’s remarks reflect a growing concern among tech leaders regarding the state of research funding in the U.S. He commented on LinkedIn, stating that the US is ‘set on destroying its public research funding system,’ leading many scientists to seek alternatives.
Recently, former Google CEO Eric Schmidt echoed similar sentiments, describing the current administration’s approach to science as a ‘total attack on all of science in America.’
With France’s new initiative gaining attention, experts suggest that this could be an opportune moment for European countries to attract leading scientific minds from the U.S., shaping a new research landscape.
- 0 Comments
- Scientists