As the UK dives deeper into its post-Brexit reality, a crucial question arises: can it rescue its scientific research collaboration with the EU? As two of the world’s most influential forces in science and technology, their partnership has been key to numerous breakthroughs. However, since Brexit negotiations began in 2016, tensions have risen and collaborations have become increasingly complicated. In this blog post, we’ll explore the current state of affairs for UK-EU scientific research partnerships and whether there is still hope for reconciliation.

Background

The UK has been a member of the European Union (EU) since 1973. In order to remain within the bloc, the UK has agreed to comply with a number of EU regulations, including those governing scientific research.

In March 2017, the UK voted to leave the EU. As a result, the UK is now in negotiations to establish new trade relationships with other countries. The importance of scientific cooperation between the UK and EU is not lost on either side. However, Brexit could have a significant impact on how closely the two sides cooperate in this area.

One area where cooperation may be difficult to maintain is scientific research. The EU funds a large amount of research conducted in the UK, and it is important for both sides that this research remains free from political interference. If relations between the UK and EU break down over issues such as scientific collaboration, it could prove very difficult to patch things up.

There are some indications that things may not be too bad yet. For example, Liam Fox, Secretary of State for International Trade, recently said that he was “confident” that there would be “a good deal” for science cooperation between the UK and EU after Brexit. However, until an agreement is reached it is impossible to say exactly what will happen.

Arguments in Favor of the UK Remaining in the EU

There are a number of arguments in favor of the UK remaining in the EU for scientific research. First and foremost, membership in the EU allows for better collaboration between member countries and facilitates sharing of resources and personnel. This is particularly important when it comes to research into areas such as renewable energy, which requires a high degree of international cooperation.

Furthermore, being part of the EU also allows UK scientists to take advantage of funding programmes available through the bloc. This includes initiatives such as the European Research Council (ERC), which offers grants to researchers working in fields such as health, energy, chemistry, and physics. According to one study, over 60% of ERC grants awarded between 2007 and 2013 went to British scientists.

Finally, being part of the EU provides UK scientists with access to a range of professional networks that can help them reach new heights in their field. For example, membership in the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) enables UK researchers to share expertise with their counterparts across Europe and gain access to cutting-edge technology.

Arguments in Favor of the UK Leaving the EU

The UK is a leading center for scientific research and development, with a long history of working closely with the European Union. However, many experts believe that the UK would be better off leaving the EU because of its damaging effect on science.

One major problem is the restriction of freedom to work in other member states. London is one of the most popular places to work in Europe, but British scientists are not allowed to take their skills and research to other parts of the bloc. This has led to a loss of talent and a decline in scientific collaboration between the UK and other member states.

Another issue is Brexit’s potential impact on funding. The government has said that it will prioritise investment in domestic projects over those funded by Brussels, but this could prove difficult if money comes from EU grants. In addition, there are worries that Brexit could lead to a loss of jobs in science-related industries, as companies based in Europe look to move away from Britain due to uncertainty about its future relationship with the EU.

Conclusion

The UK referendum on whether to remain a part of the European Union has raised many questions about the future of scientific research in the UK. The vote has demonstrated that there is much public concern over how EU membership affects UK science and research, with a significant number of people believing that access to funding from the bloc is critical for the country’s ability to excel in this field. However, it remains unclear what effect Brexit will have on scientific collaboration between the UK and EU countries; while some agreements can be renegotiated post-divorce, others might be irreparable. In light of these uncertainties, scientists across both sides of the debate are working hard to ensure that their voices are heard and understood – an effort which will undoubtedly benefit UK science in future years.