March 21, 2018

expert reaction to second report from the S&T committee on Brexit, science and innovation

The House of Commons Science and Technology Committee has published it’s second report on Brexit, science and innovation.

Prof Anne Dell, Chair of the Biochemical Society, said:

“The UK is a world leader in molecular bioscience and it is vital that we continue to foster an environment in which research and innovation can flourish. As Brexit approaches, considerable concern remains about the lack of clarity on key issues such as access to funding, regulation and immigration policies. We welcome today’s report from the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee, which calls an early deal for science and innovation, for a commitment from the UK government to participate in the ’Framework Programme 9’ (previously known as Horizon 2020) and for clarity on fees for EU students from 2019. We call on the government to act swiftly in taking forward these recommendations.”

Dr Beth Thompson, Head of UK and EU Policy at Wellcome, said:

“We welcome the report’s ambition for an early, strong and comprehensive deal for science, echoing our recommendations in Building a strong future for European science: Brexit and Beyond. The UK and EU will continue to be stronger collaborating on research than working alone, and must work together to find a way to turn ambition into meaningful agreement. An early and positive agreement on research and innovation would help to build trust on issues where there is less common ground in the negotiations.”

Sarah Main, Executive Director of the Campaign for Science and Engineering (CaSE), said: 

“A comprehensive survey of research organisations by CaSE shows that Brexit uncertainty is beginning to bite.  Organisations report falls in application rates from EU nationals and candidates turning down prestigious research positions citing Brexit uncertainty as a key factor.

“Science is a significant and successful feature of the UK-EU relationship. It is critical that the Government acts swiftly to secure the will on both sides of the channel for an ambitious agreement on research and innovation between the UK and the EU. We want to see UK participation in EU research programmes, frictionless movement of science and engineering professionals, and harmonisation of regulation with the ability to influence.

“In addition, the Government can take decisive action to unleash UK science and engineering potential by promoting the UK as a global research and innovation hub with an international engagement strategy and a visa regime to match; transforming recruitment and retention of science teachers; setting a course to increase UK public investment in R&D to 0.7% of GDP by 2022; and preparing to lead the world in innovative, ethical regulation of rapidly evolving areas of science.

These actions will send a signal that the UK is intent on remaining a global leader and partner of choice in science and innovation.”

*https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201719/cmselect/cmsctech/705/705.pdf

Declared interests

None received.