First US 'refugee scientists' to arrive in France in weeks
Aix Marseille University said its "
Safe Place for Science
" scheme received a flood of applicants after announcing in March it would open its doors to US scientists threatened by cuts.
Of 298 applications, 242 were deemed eligible and "are being studied" for some 20 available posts, the university said in a statement.
It added that 135 of the applicants were US citizens, and 45 were dual citizens.
University president Eric Berton said he wanted to see a new status of "refugee scientist" be created, and for more US researchers to be welcomed in France and Europe.
READ MORE:
Calls in France to create new 'refugee' status for US researchers
A bill establishing such a status was presented in the French parliament on Monday by former president Francois Hollande, now a deputy.
Aix Marseille University has previously brought in 25 scientists from Ukraine, Yemen, Afghanistan and the Palestinian territories under another programme for researchers under threat.
Advertisement
The university has set aside a budget so that each researcher taken in receives between €600,000 and €800,000 over three years to continue their work.
It said the applicants from a variety of US institutions, including Johns Hopkins, NASA, Yale, Stanford, Columbia and the University of Pennsylvania.
A selection panel will meet next Wednesday, followed by remote interviews before the first scientists arrive in early June.
READ MORE:
How easy is it to move to France as a researcher or scientist?
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sustainability Times
a day ago
- Sustainability Times
'Aliens Are Sending Signals': This Deep Space Object Blasts X-Rays Every 44 Minutes and NASA Can't Stop It
IN A NUTSHELL 🌌 ASKAP J1832−091 is a mysterious object in the Milky Way, emitting X-rays and radio waves every 44 minutes. is a mysterious object in the Milky Way, emitting X-rays and radio waves every 44 minutes. 🔭 Discovered accidentally, this phenomenon challenges scientists with its synchronized emissions and silent phases. 🧑🔬 Researchers speculate it could be a highly magnetized neutron star or white dwarf, but an entirely new entity is not ruled out. 📡 The discovery underscores the importance of continuous observation and international collaboration in astronomical research. Amidst the vast expanse of our galaxy, a celestial enigma has captured the attention of the scientific community. This mysterious object, discovered by chance, emits X-rays and radio waves at precise intervals of 44 minutes. The origin and nature of this phenomenon remain shrouded in mystery, fueling speculation and fascination among astronomers worldwide. Detected within the heart of the Milky Way, this object has prompted a flurry of research, as experts strive to unravel its secrets and understand its implications for our understanding of the universe. A Celestial Phenomenon in the Heart of the Milky Way Located approximately 9,300 miles from Earth, this celestial object emits synchronized radio signals and X-rays every 44 minutes, a discovery that defies comprehension. A team of international astronomers made this observation using a combination of data from major NASA instruments and ground-based observatories. The Chandra X-ray Observatory, the Spitzer Space Telescope for infrared, and the South African MeerKAT radio telescope played pivotal roles in this groundbreaking discovery. The newly identified object, named ASKAP J1832−091, was detected during a month-long phase of intense activity. During this period, it emitted X-rays and radio waves in a synchronized manner, a behavior never before observed for this type of object. Outside of this hyperactive phase, the object falls into complete silence, with no detectable emissions. Scientists remain uncertain whether it is a dead star, a binary star system, or an entirely new entity. Ziteng Andy Wang, a researcher at Curtin University in Australia and the study's lead author, suggests that the object could be a highly magnetized neutron star or white dwarf. However, he does not rule out the possibility of something radically new. 'Einstein Was Right All Along': This Atomic Clock on the ISS Is Putting General Relativity to Its Ultimate Test A Challenge for Modern Science The discovery of ASKAP J1832−091 was a serendipitous event. Initially, the Chandra telescope was observing the remnants of a supernova when it accidentally picked up the X-ray emissions from this enigmatic object. This marks the first detection of X-rays from a 'long-period radio transient,' a rare class of objects that have puzzled astronomers for years. The exact distance of the object remains uncertain, complicating efforts to determine whether it is related to the observed supernova remnant or if it exists independently in a dense region filled with stars, gas, and dust. For researchers, this discovery opens two major possibilities: they are either witnessing an entirely unknown phenomenon or observing a previously cataloged object from a new perspective. 'Our discovery does not solve the mystery; it deepens it,' admits Wang. This brief period of activity suggests that other similar phenomena might exist but go unnoticed due to a lack of continuous observation. 'They Morph Like Liquid Metal': Scientists Reveal Mini-Robot Swarm That Shape-Shifts Just Like in Sci-Fi Movies Since its launch in 1999, the Chandra telescope has been scrutinizing the universe's most energetic objects. With ASKAP J1832−091, a new chapter unfolds for space research. The study of these mysterious objects could revolutionize our understanding of the universe and its extreme phenomena. Implications for Astronomical Research The unexpected discovery of ASKAP J1832−091 has significant implications for astronomical research. It highlights the importance of continuous observation and the potential for unforeseen phenomena lurking in the cosmos. As astronomers delve deeper into this mystery, they are reminded of the vast unknowns that still exist in our universe. This discovery also underscores the critical role of international collaboration in advancing our understanding of space. The combined efforts of multiple observatories and institutions have made it possible to detect and analyze such elusive phenomena. As technology advances, we can expect even more breakthroughs in our quest to understand the universe's complexities. 'An Unimaginable Fortune': 55 Billion Tons of Iron Found in Secret Reserve Worth Over $4 Trillion Set to Disrupt Global Markets Furthermore, the identification of ASKAP J1832−091 may lead to the development of new theoretical models to explain such phenomena. By expanding our knowledge of celestial objects, we can refine our existing theories and potentially uncover new aspects of astrophysics that challenge current paradigms. The Future of Celestial Discovery As the scientific community eagerly awaits further data, the 44-minute cosmic rhythm of ASKAP J1832−091 keeps them on edge, hoping to one day unveil the secret of this object that defies all known classifications. The mystery surrounding this object serves as a reminder of the vastness of the universe and the endless opportunities for discovery. In the coming years, advancements in technology and observation techniques may provide the tools needed to uncover more about this enigmatic object and others like it. As astronomers continue to explore the cosmos, they are driven by the excitement of potential discoveries that could reshape our understanding of the universe. Will the continued study of ASKAP J1832−091 lead to groundbreaking insights that change our perception of the cosmos, or will it reveal even more mysteries waiting to be unraveled? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.4/5 (21)
France 24
a day ago
- France 24
Saving the ocean: 'We have to be optimistic because it's our only planet,' scientist says
One of the world's leading researchers on the state of our oceans has spoken to FRANCE 24 as the UN Ocean Conference got underway in the French Riviera city of Nice. The event is focused on "accelerating action and mobilising all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean". We spoke to Chris Bowler, the scientific coordinator of the Tara Ocean Programme – first about that programme and then about his reaction to French President Emmanuel Macron's opening speech at the conference in Nice.
Sustainability Times
2 days ago
- Sustainability Times
'We Are Finding Clues to Alien Existence': Robot Sent to Crack Jupiter's Frozen Shell in Wild Mission to Detect Life Beyond Earth
IN A NUTSHELL 🚀 NASA shifts focus from Europa to Enceladus, prioritizing more favorable exploration conditions. shifts focus from Europa to Enceladus, prioritizing more favorable exploration conditions. 🛰️ The Europa Clipper mission faced challenges due to intense radiation and harsh environments. mission faced challenges due to intense radiation and harsh environments. 🔧 Technological innovations developed for Europa can be adapted for Enceladus exploration. 🌊 Enceladus offers promising opportunities to search for biosignatures in its water plumes. In the ever-evolving landscape of space exploration, NASA's quest to uncover the mysteries of our solar system takes a fascinating turn. While the Europa Clipper mission was initially poised to unlock the secrets of Jupiter's icy moon, Europa, the focus has now shifted to another celestial body. Enceladus, Saturn's enigmatic moon, with its potential subsurface oceans and intriguing plumes, beckons scientists with the promise of discovering extraterrestrial life. This article delves into the journey of innovation and exploration that has led us to this pivotal moment in space exploration. The Allure of Icy Moons The allure of Europa and Enceladus lies in their potential to harbor life, hidden beneath their icy surfaces. These celestial bodies offer a tantalizing possibility of subsurface oceans, where life could potentially thrive. Europa, a moon of Jupiter, and Enceladus, a moon of Saturn, have captured the imagination of scientists for decades. Their icy crusts, concealing vast oceans, make them two of the most promising candidates for the search for extraterrestrial life within our solar system. Despite the initial excitement surrounding the Europa Clipper mission, NASA faced significant challenges. Europa's intense radiation, stemming from Jupiter, posed a severe threat to the mission's success. The lander's electronics would have been vulnerable, and communication would have been limited due to Europa's unique orbit. Moreover, the harsh cold and lack of communication satellites further complicated the mission. Nonetheless, NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) persevered, developing a prototype robot capable of withstanding Europa's icy terrain. This innovation laid the groundwork for future missions, albeit on a different moon. 'Tesla's Dream, Hyundai's Reality': Ten Years Later, the Electric Car King Faces a Brutal Fall From the Top Technological Innovations for Space Exploration The Europa Clipper mission, although redirected, brought forth remarkable technological advancements. The prototype lander designed for Europa was a marvel of engineering, equipped with legs for safe landings and a stereoscopic camera for navigation. One of its standout features was the 'ICEPICK' tool, capable of collecting samples from 7.87 inches deep, a crucial capability for analyzing potential biosignatures. Moreover, the lander boasted autonomous software, allowing it to make critical decisions with limited power and communication time. Rigorous field tests on Alaska's Matanuska Glacier validated the lander's capabilities, simulating the harsh conditions it would face on Europa. These innovations not only demonstrated NASA's prowess but also paved the way for exploring other icy worlds, such as Enceladus. These Creeping Vineyard Robots Use Insect-Like Legs to Annihilate Weeds With Ruthless Precision and Rock-Bottom Costs Enceladus: A New Frontier As NASA's decadal strategy shifted focus, Enceladus emerged as the next frontier for exploration. This moon of Saturn presents a more hospitable environment compared to Europa. Enceladus experiences lower radiation levels, making it a more viable candidate for detecting biosignatures. Its intriguing water plumes, potentially rich in molecules essential for life, offer an exciting opportunity for scientific discovery. The lessons learned from the Europa prototype are invaluable for a potential Enceladus mission. The robot's design and capabilities can be adapted to explore Enceladus's surface, where biosignatures could be preserved longer. While the dream of exploring Europa's deep ocean with a submersible remains, the technological leap required is substantial. For now, Enceladus promises a more accessible yet equally thrilling target for space exploration. 'They Morph Like Liquid Metal': Scientists Reveal Mini-Robot Swarm That Shape-Shifts Just Like in Sci-Fi Movies A Path Forward in Space Exploration The journey from Europa to Enceladus exemplifies the dynamic nature of space exploration. It showcases the resilience and adaptability of NASA's scientists and engineers, who continuously strive to unravel the mysteries of our solar system. While Europa remains a tantalizing prospect, the shift to Enceladus demonstrates a pragmatic approach, leveraging existing technology and expertise. As we look to the future, the exploration of icy moons like Enceladus holds the potential to redefine our understanding of life in the universe. The innovations developed for these missions not only enhance our knowledge but also inspire future generations to reach for the stars. What new discoveries await us on Enceladus, and how will they shape our quest to find life beyond Earth? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.5/5 (22)
