Today, Stephen Metcalfe MP, Chair of the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee published an open letter to the Government, stressing the importance of UK research and innovation and highlighting necessary actions to help the sector thrive as the UK prepares to trigger article 50.
Professor Sir Robert Lechler PMedSci, President of the Academy of Medical Sciences responded to the letter:
“This letter clearly conveys the main concerns of the scientific community ahead of Brexit, and gives an essential action plan to help the Government ensure the UK remains globally competitive.
“As we leave Europe, better investment in science will become even more essential. To adequately support research and innovation, the UK needs to move to a target of 3% of GDP for public and private investment.
“We welcome the emphasis on people – we will need to attract and retain the greatest minds to ensure that UK research and innovation continues to thrive. As science is a global enterprise, our researchers must continue to forge international collaborations – as we leave the European Union they may need more support to do this.
“We hope the Government will listen to this clear and unified message and fully engage with the scientific community to define priorities during the upcoming EU negotiations.”
The Academy of Medical Sciences also set out its priorities for Brexit in the joint Academy Open for Business report, and in its submissions to inquiries such as the Commons Exiting the EU Select Committee inquiry into 'UK's negotiating objectives for withdrawal from EU inquiry'.
Find out more about our policy work on to support Brexit negotiations here.