The importance of collaborations on science and innovation

Yesterday, the UK government published a paper outlining its vision for the future of collaboration on science and innovation between the UK and the EU.

Their goal is to 'establish an ambitious agreement on science and innovation that ensures the valuable research links between us continue to grow'.

Our president, Sir John Holman comments: "The government’s paper clearly recognises the mutual benefits that cooperation and collaboration between the UK and EU bring for science and innovation and for our respective citizens. We welcome the aim of reaching an agreement with the EU that leads to continued close collaboration through instruments such as the research and innovation framework programmes.

"However, research cooperation also requires the easy movement of scientists to and from the UK on both a short and long-term basis. The government must develop a future immigration system that welcomes those who work across the research and innovation chain and send a strong positive message that it values the contribution that international scientists make to both UK research and innovation and the global scientific endeavour. These are essential to achieve the government’s goal to make the UK a hub for international talent."

The paper also acknowledges the importance of links and collaboration between EU and UK scientific agencies and bodies, specifically citing the UK’s aim to continue to work closely with the European Medicines Agency.

Sir John welcomes the paper’s emphasis on partnerships with agencies and agrees that continued strong connections between UK and EU agencies will be key to ensuring both the UK and EU will benefit from their combined strengths in data and scientific expertise.

He concludes: "Continued scientific cooperation with other EU agencies – such as the European Chemicals Agency and the European Food Standards Agency – will be vital to enable both the UK and EU to remain at the forefront of developing future chemical and environmental regulations that are informed by the best science, enable innovation and protect human health and the environment."