Science and Technology Committee inquiry: what does leaving the EU mean for UK science?

The inquiry will be running throughout July, and we will be contributing to the Royal Society of Biology’s written response. We welcome input from members: if you would like to contribute to the response, or raise your views or priority concerns, please contact Ben Connor, Policy Manager by 12 July.

The Committee is seeking views on the following questions:

1. What the effect of the various models available for the UK’s future relationship with the EU will be on UK science and research, in terms of:

• Collaboration;
• Free movement of researchers and students;
• Access to funding;
• Access to EU-funded research facilities, both in the UK and abroad
• Intellectual property and commercialisation of research

2. What the science and research priorities for the UK Government should be in negotiating a new relationship with the EU.

3. What science and technology-related legislation, regulations and projects will need to be reviewed in the run up to the UK leaving the EU.

4. The status of researchers, scientists and students working and studying in the UK when the UK leaves the EU, and what protections should be put in place for them.

5. The opportunities that the UK’s exit presents for research collaboration and market access with non-EU countries, and how these might compare with existing EU arrangements.

6. What other measures the Government should undertake to keep UK science and research on a sound footing, with sufficient funding, after an EU exit.