The Safe Place For Science programme will welcome scientists who wish to continue their research in “complete freedom”, according to the university.

The move is in response to the Trump administration in the US cutting federal research funding and withdrawing support for research that mentions the word ‘climate’.

Additionally, federal agency the National Science Foundation (NSF) has been assessing research projects to look for words including ‘women’ and ‘biased’, the Washington Post reported.

A statement on Aix-Marseille University’s website said: “In a context where some scientists in the United States may feel threatened or hindered in their research, our university is announcing the launch of the Safe Place For Science program, dedicated to welcoming scientists wishing to pursue their work in an environment conducive to innovation, excellence and academic freedom.”

The Amidex university foundation will support the funding of research positions, with a particular focus on the fields of climate, environment, health and human and social sciences.

Eric Berton, president of Aix-Marseille Université, said: “We expect to be able to raise around 10 million euros and will be working with local institutions to welcome around 15 researchers.”