UK's visa scheme for scientists receives guarded welcome

Government keen to attract top global talent after Brexit

Leading scientists have given a cautious welcome to the British government's announcement it will introduce a fast-track visa service for scientists next month, with no limit on the number available, to fulfil Prime Minister Boris Johnson's pledge to make the country a "supercharged magnet to attract scientists like iron filings".

Currently, around half the of the United Kingdom's scientific workforce of approximately 211,000 people is from the European Union, people who can work in the UK without a visa under freedom of movement rules provided by the EU.

The country leaves the bloc at the end of the month and enters a transition period which will last until the end of the year, after which the status of those workers is unclear, leading to fears there could be a post-Brexit brain drain, a perception the government is keen to avoid.

Venki Ramakrishnan, president of the world's oldest independent science academy the Royal Society, welcomed the proposal as something that would be attractive to the brightest and best science talents, and said he was glad the government had listened to research community's advice.

"It sends out a positive message that the UK is committed to remaining open to overseas science talent who would collaborate with our outstanding home-grown minds," he said.

"What is good for science is good for everybody, and can help tackle important challenges such as climate change or disease."

Robert Massey, deputy director of the Royal Astronomical Society, was more guarded, saying the proposals might discourage younger researchers.

"The issues will still though be about calling for the 'most talented', which isn't a label many early career researchers identify with," he tweeted.

The new system, which comes in on Feb 20, will be overseen by the UK Research and Innovation Agency (also known as UKRI), rather than the Home Office. This means that applications will be handled and appraised by people suitably informed to judge academic credentials, rather than immigration officials.

"The UK has a proud history of scientific discovery, but to lead the field and face the challenges of the future we need to continue to invest in talent and cutting-edge research," said Johnson.

"That is why as we leave the EU I want to send a message that the UK is open to the most talented minds in the world, and stand ready to support them to turn their ideas into reality."

A media release issued by the government said the new visa system was coming at the same time as a 300-million-pound ($390 million) investment fund focusing on mathematical research was announced.

Around 60 million pounds will be made available each year to increase the number of research projects and fellowships available, and double the number of PhDs.

"This funding will make sure the UK remains at the cutting edge of maths research, underpinning real-world technological developments, from smoother traffic flow, crime prevention, safer air travel, and smarter phone technology to the use of AI and creating greener energy systems," said the statement.