UK scientists would lose money and influence under “Brexit,” says Lords report

Leaving the European Union would cost UK scientists money and influence, says a report by the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee.1

Research funding is one of the few areas where the United Kingdom gains more money than it spends. Of the country’s gross contribution to the EU, £5.4bn (€6.84bn; $7.77bn) can be attributed to the community’s research, development, and innovation activities. But the UK gets back £8.8bn in research grants, so exiting the EU would in theory leave a gap of £3.4bn to be filled.

When total contributions and receipts are counted, the UK is a net loser, contributing £77.7bn a year and getting £47.5bn back. Leaving the EU would therefore save the UK £30.2bn a year, some of which could be …