"Brexit would be a disaster for UK science"

Stephen Hawking has backed the campaign for Britain to stay in the EU, saying Brexit would be a “disaster for UK science”.

A letter to the Times signed by more than 150 fellows of the Royal Society, including Hawking, says leaving the EU would hamper research in the UK, because many young scientists are recruited from Europe.

The scientists write: “We now recruit many of our best researchers from continental Europe, including younger ones who have obtained EU grants and have chosen to move with them here.

“Being able to attract and fund the most talented Europeans assures the future of British science and also encourages the best scientists elsewhere to come here.”

They also say increased funding from the EU has benefited the UK and science as a whole. They note the example of Switzerland, whichdespite paying in to the EU has limited access to funds and struggles toattract young talent because of freedom of movement restrictions.

“If the UK leaves the EU and there is a loss of freedom of movement of scientists between the UK and Europe, it will be a disaster for UK science and universities,” the letter says.

“Investment in science is as important for the long-term prosperity and security of the UK as investment in infrastructure projects, farming or manufacturing; and the free movement of scientists is as important for science as free trade is for market economics.”

The letter was organised by Sir Alan Fersht, a University ofCambridge professor who specialises in protein science.

Leaving the EU won't have any consequence if the British government issues visas for scientists from the EU, and if it gives back to universities as much money as they got from the EU.

That's a lot of "If's" for a government that has demonstrated an extremely hostile attitude towards academia.

That's a lot of "If's" for a government that has demonstrated an extremely hostile attitude towards academia.

Moreover, the last Labour government caused much more damage to the attractiveness of British universities by restricting research council studentships given to EU students to simple fee-waivers. EU students have thus much more difficulties getting a full PhD studentship than before Gordon Brown.

Rather than predicting the apocalypse, these scientists would have been more useful if they had asked the government whether they will compensate the loss of EU grants with the money saved from the EU contribution.

You don't think that some of the most eminent scientists in the UK have the sense to write a letter like this without good reason to think that they're right?

That's a lot of "If's" for a government that has demonstrated an extremely hostile attitude towards academia.

Leaving the EU won't have any consequence if the British government issues visas for scientists from the EU, and if it gives back to universities as much money as they got from the EU.

Which they most likely won't.

Breaking news! Experts predict Brexit will cause black hole to appear in Yorkshire and devour the entire UK!!

You don't think that some of the most eminent scientists in the UK have the sense to write a letter like this without good reason to think that they're right?

The US imports its scientists from all over the world. It grants them work visas. Is it beyond the wit of the British to set up such a scheme? Surely not!

Everything's "a disaster" for you guys. Everything is just "too hard" and "can't be done" What a nation of drama queens - no wonder you lost your empire.

Leaving the EU won't have any consequence if the British government issues visas for scientists from the EU, and if it gives back to universities as much money as they got from the EU.

And where is this money going to come from, pray tell?

Posted from TSR Mobile