Supplementary memorandum submitted by
Campaign for Science and Engineering
The UK has long had a reputation as a global
centre of research excellence. It is not only our world-class
institutions, but also our inclusive culture which has attracted
the world's best scientists to come and work here.
Nobel prize-winners in science—from America's
James Watson and Germany's Hans Krebs in years past, to India's
Venki Ramakrishnan and Russia's Andre Geim (a signatory to this
letter) in the past 12 months—have been enriching and enhancing
British science and society for decades. They add to our store
of knowledge, and inspire countless young researchers to follow
in their footsteps.
These benefits are jeopardised by the Government's
plan to cap migration to the UK. It would damage our ability to
recruit the brightest young talent, as well as distinguished scientists,
into our universities and industries. International collaborations
underlie 40% of the UK's scientific output, but would become far
more difficult if we were to constrict our borders. The UK produces
nearly 10% of the world's scientific output with only 1% of its
population; we punch above our weight because we can engage with
excellence wherever it occurs.
The UK must not isolate itself from the increasingly
globalised world of research—British science depends on
it. The Government has seen fit to introduce an exception to the
rules for Premier League footballers. It is a sad reflection of
our priorities as a nation if we cannot afford the same recognition
for elite scientists and enginers.
Sir Paul Nurse
Nobel Prize for Medicine, 2001
Sir Martin Evans
Nobel Prize for Medicine, 2007
Andre Geim
Nobel Prize for Physics, 2010
Sir Tim Hunt
Nobel Prize for Medicine, 2001
Sir Harry Kroto
Nobel Prize for Chemistry, 1996
Konstantin Novoselov
Nobel Prize for Physics, 2010
Sir John Sulston
Nobel Prize for Medicine, 2002
Sir John Walker
Nobel Prize for Chemistry, 1997
October 2010
| 
