8000 scientists protest

More than 8000 scientists took to the streets of Paris and other cities across France on Wednesday (March 9) to protest against the government's proposed reforms of the science system.

Jacques Fossey, secretary general of the National Union of Scientific Researchers (SNCS), had strong praise for the high turnout among scientists who joined a national strike that paralyzed the French capital.

"The strong turnout will strengthen the position of the scientists in upcoming negotiations," Fossey told The Scientist. "The government can see how much support there is for the proposals of the scientists for reforming France's science system, and we hope they will be more willing to listen to these proposals as a result of these strikes."

Scientists working at universities and in public research organizations such as the Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM) and the National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) took action against draft legislation unveiled ...