SAFE

The Supporting At-risk researchers with Fellowships in Europe (SAFE) project starts on September 1, 2024 !

This European consortium, of which PAUSE is a member, aims to provide fellowships for 60 scientists at risk in their home countries to enable them to pursue their work in Europe. These researchers from all over the world and all disciplines are selected on the basis of their scientific work and the danger they face. They can be either doctoral candidates (enrolled in a doctoral programme) or postdoctoral researchers. Their application must be submitted by a higher education institution, a research organisation or with a research unit and based in an EU Member State. The selected scientists will be hosted for a period up to 24 months.

Partners

Coordinated by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the consortium includes Campus France, the Mediterranean Universities Union (UNIMED) and the French hosting programme for Scientists and Artists in exile (PAUSE) hosted by the College the France.

SAFE also receives support from the following associate and international partners :

    Selection procedure

        • Applications are submitted by host institutions on behalf of the researchers;
        • Only one application may be submitted by each institution;
        • Eligible institutions are higher education institutions, research organisations and organisations with a research unit based in a Member State of the European Union;
        • The selection criteria are based on the quality of the research project, the threat faced by the scientist and the quality of the host institution's project.

    Project's activities

        • Preparation and implementation of a call for projects to select 60 scientists at risk from all over the world (outside the EU);
        • Putting scientists in contact with potential host institutions;
        • Assisting the scientists throughout their hosting period;
        • Organising training courses and professional networking events for scientists and host institutions;
        • Capitalising on the project's experience by preparing recommendations to the European Commission to establish a permanent scheme.

      History

      On 20 March 2023, at the initiative of the European Parliament, the European Commission launched a call for applications to set up a programme of European fellowships for researchers at risk. This call for projects is part of the Commission's pilot projects and preparatory actions in the fields of sport, culture, research and innovation.

      The PAUSE programme, which has supported at-risk scientists for more than seven years, has joined forces with French and European partners in a consortium to answer the call. The Supporting At-risk researchers with Fellowships in Europe (SAFE), submitted to the European Comission in September 2023, was selected to implement this pilot scheme for a period of three years, between September 2024 to September 2027.