[ad_1]
Copyright of the image
Getty Images
Nobel Laureate Sir Paul Nurse: "Take science seriously" in Brexit negotiations
Some of the biggest names in science argue for an agreement on Brexit in order to avoid harming British and European research.
A letter to Theresa May and Jean-Claude-Juncker was signed by 29 Nobel laureates and six winners of the prestigious Fields Medal.
Science needs "the movement of people and ideas across borders," he said.
An investigation revealed that many scientists are considering leaving the UK.
Sir Paul Nurse, one of the signatories and Nobel Laureate for Breast Cancer Research, said: "The message is:" Take science seriously "."
Science can help address global challenges such as treating diseases, producing clean energy and securing food supplies, says the letter – but to do so, it must bring together the most talented researchers.
And the UK and the EU "must now strive to ensure that research suffers as little damage as possible".
What are the top scientists worried about?
Funding and freedom of movement are the two major concerns.
Over the years of Britain's membership in the European Union, its scientists have obtained more European subsidies than the country has paid. Sir Paul estimates that in the absence of an agreement, British science could lose about 1 billion pounds a year.
Britain hoped to be able to quickly negotiate a new scientific relationship with the EU, with associate status such as that of Switzerland, in which contributions would be made and grants received. But it has not happened so far.
The other worry is that without freedom of movement, the bureaucracy of having to apply for a visa may put off the brightest scientific talents.
What about young researchers?
In an internal survey, members of the Francis Crick Institute in London were asked about Brexit – the Crick is the largest biomedical research center under the same roof in Europe.
Of the more than 1,000 scientists in the team, 40% are from EU countries and the priority was to find out what they could do after Brexit.
78% of EU scientists said they were "less likely" to stay in the UK.
51% of all scientists at the institute – including those in Britain – said they were less likely to stay.
45% of laboratory managers said that Brexit had already affected their work – either by recruiting new scientists, being excluded from EU programs, or coping with rising costs after the fall of the EU. book.
97% of respondents said that a Brexit without agreement would be bad for British science.
Why are scientists planning to leave the UK?
Val Maciulyte (Lithuania), head of a laboratory at the institute, confided that "uncertainty" related to the Brexit process implied that she was considering relocating after seven years in Britain.
"I think it makes me think of other countries than the UK, other options in Europe, Central Europe or maybe even Lithuania," she said.
Jasmin Zohren, a German postdoctoral researcher, said it was difficult to plan because "nobody knows what will happen", but she wants to live in a country of the European Union, despite "love London".
She said: "I am currently funded by the EU – as well as for my doctorate that I have done in the UK – and I know that a large part of this money does not come from the UK. will arrive more in the UK And of course, it's a big problem. "
Spanish scientist Monica Rodrigo said that uncertainty has repercussions on everyone.
"I think the most important thing is people's stress level, because it affects not only your work life, but other things," she said.
"Even if you're a British scientist, the way you lead your life and what you do in the future will affect your life, will you stay with limited funding or go elsewhere?"
What will happen if there is no agreement?
I told Sir Paul that even without an agreement, British science would be strong enough to deal with it.
"We will of course survive, we will of course receive funding from the government and we will continue," he said.
"But for the moment, Britain is at the top of the hierarchy, we are generally considered the best in the world and we risk losing this leading position if we do not get that result."
A spokesman for the government said: "The UK is playing a vital role in making Europe a pioneering base for research and appreciates the contribution of international researchers to the UK.
"It will not change when we leave the EU.
"We will seek an ambitious science and innovation relationship with our EU partners, exploring the future involvement of the UK in mutually beneficial research programs, and continue to support science, research and innovation through our modern industrial strategy.
"We are proud to welcome the world's brightest scientists and researchers to work and study here, and after we leave the EU, we will have an immigration system to support that." "
