The first American ‘scientific refugees’ arrive in France

Speaking from the university’s hilltop astrophysics lab, AMU President Eric Berton likened the situation to that of European academics who fled persecution by Nazi Germany both before and during World War II.

“What is at play here today is not unrelated to another dark period of our history,” he said.

Berton and former French President François Hollande have pushed for the creation of a "scientific refugee" status.

As most of the researchers who attended Berton’s speech had not yet signed their contracts with AMU, they requested anonymity to protect their stateside research positions if they ended up not being admitted or declining the offer.

Among the applicants were James, a climate scientist at a reputable research university, and his wife, who studies the intersection of judicial systems and democracies. James said they had applied because they were “working in areas which are targeted” and could be prone to funding cuts.

While James, who didn't want his surname used, said he doesn't think of himself and his fellow academics as "refugees," he voiced deep concern about the future of academic research under Trump.