MARSEILLE, France: The University of Aix-Marseille, which in March launched an appeal to American researchers whose academic freedom could be threatened by Donald Trump’s policies, is welcoming the first scientists who will stay for three years. “It’s a scientific welcome programme, a scientific asylum. And above all, we want to enshrine in law the notion of scientific refugees,” explains Eric Berton, President of the University, at a welcoming ceremony for around ten American researchers.