In recent years, several European countries, including France, have reduced their investment in scientific research, with biomedical research taking a significant hit. The primary casualty is basic research, the cornerstone of scientific research. Basic research, which includes the field of cell biology, seeks to understand the fundamental mechanisms of life, from simple single-cell organisms to complex biological systems like animals and plants. Although basic research might not yield immediate financial returns, it generates invaluable knowledge, which is the bedrock of societal advancements. This knowledge is crucial for breakthroughs such as medical cures for diseases like cancer and the development of new vaccines, as evidenced by the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Innovation, a highly sought-after goal, relies entirely on the foundations laid by years of basic research.
To lead in basic research, a nation needs skilled scientists and a robust budget. Countries like the USA have recognized this for decades, consistently increasing their investment in research and education. For instance, the USA invested over $885 billion in research and development (R&D) in 2022 (see National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics, https://ncses.nsf.gov/pubs/nsf24317; although the current situation in the USA is looking quite concerning). If we look at northern and central Europe, in Germany, R&D investments represent over 3.14% of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2022 and have been on a global growing curve since the beginning of the century. Other countries like Austria, Belgium, Sweden and Switzerland also invest over 3.0% of their GDP, whereas Finland and the UK investments are 2.99% and 2.91%, respectively. Meanwhile, France's investment – at just 2.2% of GDP – pales in comparison, jeopardizing its competitive edge [GDP data obtained from ‘Research and development expenditure (% of GDP)’, https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/GB.XPD.RSDV.GD.ZS?end=2021&start=1996&view=map]. Although programs such as those provided by the European Research Council (ERC) have revolutionized scientific funding by supporting bold ideas generously and offering additional funding to French researchers, they cover only a fraction of European science, with success rates below 10%.
Recent budget cuts in France have cast even more of a shadow over the future of academic research. In 2024, a budget cut of €900 million shocked the scientific community. More recently, additional amendments to this budget proposed further cuts of €630 million, along with an extra €534 million reduction to the France 2030 program. These cuts threaten not only basic research but also higher education, with potentially catastrophic long-term consequences.
To address this, a group of seven scientists (Dr Brigitte Bouchard, Prof Sonial Garel, France Maloumian, Dr Fekrije Selimi, Dr Séverine Sigoillot, Dr Marie-Emilie Terret and Dr Marie-Hélène Verlhac) from the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB) at the Collège de France, led by the CIRB director, Marie-Hélène Verlhac, has taken a stand against these cuts by forming the ‘Pour une Recherche d'Avenir’ initiative, a new movement assembled in response to the proposed budget cuts. They began by organizing a peaceful sit-in during the planned visit of the Minister of Higher Education and Research, Philippe Baptiste, to the Collège de France on Monday 27 January 2025. This demonstration drew a significant crowd of researchers present on site. In a closed-door discussion, Minister Philippe Baptiste described several reassuring measures, including a €100 million increase for French universities and a commitment to maintaining the total budget of the Agence Nationale de la Recherche (ANR), the main governmental research funding source. However, the Minister also informed them of a €100 million cut for the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), the most important French research agency, as well as a slowing down in global research investments previously acted via a programming law in 2021 (LPR).
Despite the few positive points, taken together, these measures fall short of positioning French research at the forefront of European countries for global funding. Indeed, maintaining the ANR budget, and not increasing it, effectively reduces research funding due to the rising costs of consumables, equipment and salaries.
The Pour une Recherche d'Avenir initiative highlights the dedication of scientists (both French and non-French) in France. France should be an attractive destination for researchers worldwide. It offers low university fees (around €500 per year for any PhD student), real salaries (not fellowships) for all PhD students and excellent healthcare. Research assistant and research scientist permanent positions are also available – even if highly competitive – through CNRS, INSERM and various universities. However, the current equilibrium is at risk if there is less and less money for R&D.
To truly secure the future of French research, it is imperative that we not only restore but significantly increase funding for basic research in the life sciences, as well as in other disciplines such as chemistry, physics and mathematics. The long-term benefits far outweigh the costs, as evidenced by the countless innovations that have emerged from basic research in the many fields mentioned above. Let us not threaten the advancements of tomorrow by undermining the research of today. The time to act is now. As a message to all policymakers: Pour une Recherche d'Avenir needs your support now more than ever! Support our future.
Anyone wishing to lend their support to the initiative is encouraged to contact Marie-Helene Verlhac at: [email protected].
