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The House of Commons Science and Technology Committee is to host a summit on how Brexit will affect the future of scientific innovation in the UK.
It will focus on the risks Brexit could produce for the sector, as well as possible opportunities. The committee is asking for written submissions and inviting interested parties to take part in the summit itself.
The summit will be held in February, on a date to be decided, with the intention to present its findings as the UK government begins its second stage of negotiations with the EU on Brexit.
The committee wants to hear views on the advantages, disadvantages and uncertainties for science, research and innovation following the outcome of initial Brexit discussions; the government’s future partnership paper ‘Collaboration on science and innovation’; the UK’s future participation in EU research programme, Horizon 2020; and whether recently agreed science co-operation deals with non-EU countries represent a good model for collaboration with other countries post-Brexit.
The committee’s chair, Norman Lamb, said: “The UK’s decision to leave the EU has presented the science and innovation sector with its greatest challenge in generations. If we are to confront this challenge effectively so that we protect and enhance science in the UK, it is crucial that the science community’s voice is heard now.
“We stand at a vital crossroads in the Brexit negotiations. By holding this summit before the next stage of negotiations commence, we can ensure that our priorities are clear and our demands are delivered right to the heart of government.”
Written evidence can be submitted via the committee’s inquiry page by 5 February 2018. Anyone interested in taking part in the summit can contact the committee at scitechcom@parliament.uk by 31 January 2018 using “Nomination for summit” in the title box.
