UK science needs to be open to the world

Today MPs will take part in a Commons Chamber Debate on Exiting the EU and science and research.

Ahead of this debate, the president of the Royal Society of Chemistry, Sir John Holman, has joined leading figures from across science, innovation and higher education in signing a letter calling upon the government to ensure that its future immigration policies enable international mobility and collaboration. Others who have signed the letter, which appeared in the Financial Times yesterday, include the Royal Society and the Confederation of British Industry.

We welcomed last month’s Autumn Statement announcement from the Chancellor to commit a further £4.7 billion for research and development by 2020. This shows recognition by the government, of the role of science and innovation in the UK’s future prosperity. However to fully deliver the government’s vision for improved growth across the UK, the scientific community needs access to the best researchers, innovators and students from across the world.

"As MPs prepare for today’s debate, we hope that they will recognise that alongside sustained investment and appropriate regulation, science needs mobility," Sir John Holman said. "Whether it is attracting the best scientists and technicians to carry out research in the UK long-term or enabling people to travel to and from the UK for shorter research visits and conferences, the movement of people is essential for science to advance."