“They banned the use of the word woman” … The University of Aix-Marseille welcomes its first scientists fleeing Trump

“When I was pre-selected, I stayed speechless, in shock,” told the Lisa*press, an American anthropobiologist who has just signed a three-year contract at the University of Aix-Marseille (AMU). Therefore, “Donald Trump cut my laboratory’s study programs and banished the use of words as” woman “. For example, And I did not really see how to continue my research in this context. In addition, “explains the young scientist, mother of two children, whose work found an application in the United States, particularly in the assistance of police identification of victims.

Like Lisa. Similarly, 39 American researchers have been selected by the AMU as part of the SAFE Place for Science program, with 15 million euros over three years. Nevertheless, Nearly 300 applications have been recorded: “Climatologist. Furthermore, immunologist, astrophysicist, sociologist, political scientist or historian, […] I was struck by the richness “they banned use word woman” and diversity of applications, some of which came from colleagues from prestigious universities like Berkeley or Harvard, “said Eric Berton, the president of the AMU who spoke of a” historic moment “.

Lisa has just arrived in Marseille in Minnesota. In addition, an American border state from Canada. In addition, “Obviously, it is much warmer here. It’s another lifestyle, but I love what the city gives off. A city that she had already been able to visit twice. indicates the one that carries a Camarguan cross around the neck. “Of course. the salary is not the same here but life is also cheaper,” continues the scientist who is now looking for a school where her two children and work for her husband, a high school teacher in “they banned use word woman” the United States, now. Procedures for which the University, in partnership with local communities, said to help them.

“I would never have thought of coming to France” – "they banned use word woman"

A little older. James, for his part, has no more dependent children. The climatologist responded to the AMU call for candidates with his partner, a researcher also, but in political science. And if his contract is not yet formally signed, the researcher from Massachusetts has not hidden his emotion. “I am very happy with the welcome that is given to me. but it is also very sad”, expresses the one who would have “never thought to come to France before the election of Trump”. “My field of research is clearly targeted. The climate and the environmental sciences have today become themes that are difficult to tackle, […] It’s discouraging ”.

And if he is today in Marseille, he indicates to 20 Minutes not to have “they banned use word woman” informed his university. “I prefer that she do not know. not to avoid certain consequences if sometimes it should not work,” continues James who considers that his federal state could also sanction his university of attachment to the United States if he learned. However, a semi-circular displacement which does not make it feel like a “refugee”. “It’s a little too strong as a word,” comments the climatologist who knows what constrained population trips are.

China also on the lookout

Another state, another field of research but same observation, for Mary*, which studies evolutionary biology. “This program is a very good thing. even if I would have preferred a permanent contract,” explains the researcher at Wisconsin, also seduced by the prospect of living in the south of France. “In my research institute, most have already left. Most in Canada but also in China that puts the package to attract “top researchers” “.

An exodus “they banned use word woman” of circumstance which should have “long consequences. even in the event of political change”, anticipates Bryan, professor of modern history, specialist in the 15th and 16th centuries. “This is the end of the world domination of American research. ” predicted the historian who has already worked for a few years with French counterparts and which it was already planned for a year of research in France in 2025-2026. Now he hopes to be able to make three more.

*The first names have been modified at the request of the researchers interviewed.