On 5 May, the European Commission announced the first elements of its “Choose Europe for Science” initiative at La Sorbonne in Paris, France. The event brought together European academics and Commissioners at a time when supporting open, independent research is more important than ever. The initiative highlights Europe as a top destination for researchers worldwide.
The initiative promotes the advantages of conducting research in Europe, including access to funding through Horizon Europe, supportive mobility schemes like EURAXESS, and the vibrant ecosystem of universities, research centres, and innovative industries. It’s also a strong signal of Europe’s dedication to scientific excellence, diversity, and sustainability.
President Ursula von der Leyen hihglighted EURAXESS as a concrete example of how the EU is facilitating researcher mobility:
“We already have an excellent platform that links researchers worldwide with thousands of jobs in Europe. As well as providing visa support and career guidance.”
"Choose Europe for Science" aligns with the European Research Area (ERA) vision of making Europe a global leader in research and innovation. By investing in talent and fostering international collaboration, the EU aims to strengthen its position on the global stage while solving societal challenges such as climate change, digital transformation, and health.
This campaign is a call to action for researchers at all career stages to explore the opportunities Europe provides—from PhD fellowships to advanced grants and entrepreneurship pathways. It also reflects Europe’s openness, inclusivity, and commitment to scientific freedom.