Henry Lovett
Policy and Public Affairs Officer, The Physiological Society

https://doi.org/10.36866/pn.108.7

Science works with the right people in the right place

Scientific research is an international pursuit, with unique facilities and local pockets of specialisation around the world. The scientific ecosystem enjoys a regular turnover of talent, spreading knowledge and skills. This ability to move around to conduct work in new locations is of great value to scientists, as shown by the results of our survey of Society members about Brexit. The key concerns raised focused on freedom of movement for researchers and students even more so than access to EU research funding.

Unfortunately, the existing UK system governing immigration of workers and students is complicated and often causes problems and delays. There is a high probability that the requirements imposed by Brexit will further complicate immigration and restrict those who can come here as researchers or students. Not to mention the legislation around immigration; the rhetoric coming from some UK sources is highly likely to discourage immigration to this country even when it would be allowed.

The Society has released a policy position statement on international mobility which addresses these and related issues, and gives recommendations to policymakers on how to improve the situation. Rather than discussing exemptions and special circumstances for particular sectors, it would be far preferable to have a flexible immigration system that works for all. The Society and other sector bodies will continue to advocate for this, including by following internal recommendations also given in the position statement. You can read it at: bit.ly/2va7o3U

Political changes around science responsibilities

There have recently been a number of appointments of great relevance to the science community resulting from June’s general election. One key figure is the new Chair for the Commons Science and Technology Select Committee. Due to the drop in size of the Parliamentary Conservative Party at the election (and committee allocation being roughly proportional to number of MPs), this committee has passed to the Liberal Democrats, with Norman Lamb being elected Chair. The previous Chair, Conservative Stephen Metcalfe, stood unsuccessfully for the Chair of the Education Select Committee, which was won by Robert Halfon. Mr Metcalfe’s predecessor, Nicola Blackwood, lost her seat at the election. The ministerial scene is much more stable for science, with Jo Johnson reappointed Minister for Universities and Science, Greg Clark remaining Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, and Justine Greening remaining Secretary of State for Education.

The House of Lords Science and Technology Committee, now Chaired by the crossbench Lord Patel, has launched an inquiry into Life Sciences in the context of the Industrial Strategy. More information can be found here: bit.ly/2uiogSA

Outside of the Palace of Westminster, other important appointments have been made. UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the new umbrella body for the Research Councils and Innovate UK that was formed by the Higher Education and Research Act, now has a CEO in the august form of Professor Sir Mark Walport, currently the Government Chief Scientific Advisor. He will occupy both positions part-time until a replacement Chief Scientist is appointed. Sir John Kingman was previously appointed interim Chairman of UKRI, and will hold this position until the organisation is up and running steadily. The other body formed by the Act is the Office for Students (OfS), which takes over some responsibilities from Hefce and other higher education organisations. The CEO of OfS has been announced as Nicola Dandridge, the current Chief Executive of Universities UK. This has caused some controversy, with the appointment to the new post of the head university lobbyist being described as ‘poacher turned gamekeeper’. However, Ms Dandridge undeniably has a great deal of sector experience to bring to the new body. The Chair of the OfS will be Sir Michael Barber, another long-time expert in education.