Brit scientists freak out over Brexit
Zarnecki noted that the referendum vote will have no direct impact on scientists’ involvement with the European Space Agency, the European Southern Observatory and CERN. But he worried about more subtle repercussions, like whether Britain would no longer be seen as an open and welcoming place in which to do high-level research.
The RAS statement suggested that free movement between countries has been essential for research, by helping them recruit international scientists.
The organization also expressed concerns about the future of science and engineering collaborations that included its members. Among them are efforts funded by the European Research Council and Horizon 2020 program, which has set aside 80 billion euros (almost $90 billion) for research and innovation.
“The Society asks the government to continue UK participation in all of these, and to make the necessary financial contributions to allow UK groups to lead bids for these funds,” the researchers wrote.
http://www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-brexit-science-20160624-snap-story.html
Although the RAS did not make a formal recommendation to its members on which way to vote, the organization said that the overwhelming majority of British scientists and engineers were in favor of remaining in the EU.
