UK must act to stem brain drain of scientists, MPs say

The government must prevent a “brain drain” of scientists from the United Kingdom by exempting them from any forthcoming tightening of rules on immigration to the UK, MPs have urged.

Their report on the effect on science and research of the UK’s decision to leave the European Union said that although planning for exit negotiations was still under way, “there is clear agreement that researcher mobility is a crucial component of the UK’s successful research science sector.”1 Evidence submitted to the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee’s inquiry showed that some researchers were “seriously considering” leaving the UK, and the report warned of the threat of a brain drain.

Ottoline Leyser from the Royal Society told MPs on the committee that the 31 000 scientists …