French Government Allocates €250 Million for Science Incentives. (October 24, 2008)

The following is reported in this week's  Science

PARIS--The French government will spend more than €250 (A$487) million over the next 3 years to make careers in science and higher education more appealing and reward its academic stars. The measures, including increased financial bonuses, are part of a "radical offensive" to make France's research system "among the most attractive in the world," science and higher education minister Valérie Pécresse said at a press conference this week.

Among the plans: A new contract with a minimal starting salary for Ph.D. students; a 12% to 25% pay hike for assistant professors; and bonuses of up to €15,000 (A$29,300) for excellence in research or teaching and up to €25,000 (A$48,700) bonuses for those who win scientific prizes. The plan is in line with recommendations from the French Academy of Sciences, which is "happy" with the plan, says academy president Jules Hoffman. But Sauvons la Recherche (SLR), a researchers' movement, opposes the bonuses. Eligibility criteria are vague and there's the risk of arbitrary decisions, says SLR president Bertrand Monthubert.