What is the UK doing to attract US scientists? Chair writes to Science Minister after research cuts in the US
8 May 2025
The Science, Innovation and Technology Committee chair, Chi Onwurah, has written to the Science Minister, Lord Patrick Vallance, to call for the UK to do more to support and attract scientists looking to leave the US.
Reports suggest that many US-based scientists are considering leaving the country after cuts to government science programmes. It has been publicised that several European countries and universities have already begun to actively recruit top US scientists.
The UK is reportedly set to introduce a new scheme to attract ten groups of researchers, but it is said to be funded with just £50m, compared to £100m and £500m for comparable schemes in France and the EU. The chair calls for the government to go further, and target support at scientists seeking to leave the US specifically, considering options such as relaxing visa requirements for this group.
In the chair’s letter to Lord Vallance, she highlights this as an opportunity for the government to attract world-class scientists to the UK and bolster the UK’s reputation as a global leader in scientific research. The chair asks for clarity on what the UK is doing to attract these scientists, and whether the UK will implement a special visa system to reduce costs of attracting this talent.
The committee previously questioned Sir Vallance about whether the UK has the right strategies to attract global talent to the UK, or whether the current visa system needed to change to attract scientists from overseas. In 2024, UK visa costs were found to be 17 times higher than comparable countries.
Chair comment
Chair of the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee, Chi Onwurah, said:
“If US scientists are looking for positions overseas, then there is clearly an opportunity here for the UK’s world-leading science sector. We can provide a sanctuary where researchers can continue to innovate and produce, standing up for the universal values of science and knowledge, whilst also filling critical skills gaps. It would be a win-win.
“We should be in a good position to attract US talent: we speak the same language, have a brilliant university system, and excel in cutting-edge scientific research. Yet, it seems we’re in danger of falling behind other European countries in attracting this talent, particularly due to our extremely expensive visa system for global talent.
“I look forward to the Science Minister providing clarity on what the government is doing to show our support to US scientists and attract them to the UK. This could be a great opportunity to bolster our scientific capabilities, and I hope the government acts accordingly.”
Further information
Image: Number 10