Post-Brexit plan to create elite UK research funder takes shape

[Andy]

The United Kingdom should boost funding for basic research and create an equivalent of the prestigious European Research Council (ERC) if it doesn’t remain part of the European Union’s flagship research-funding programme after it leaves the bloc.

That’s the conclusion of a independent review that looked at how UK science could adapt and collaborate internationally after Brexit — now scheduled for 31 January 2020 — which many researchers fear will have devastating effects on research.

https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-019-03444-0

 

[Jonathan Edwards]

This sounds like political posturing and jobs for the boys to me. The idea that you could get an 'independent review' on this is laughable. One of the reviewers says: “Many people have built their careers on EU funding,” he says. If that is curtailed, “it’s a really good use of public money to provide these people with support while they adapt to new ways of working, and not just to dump them”. So it's all about protecting jobs, not research.

I don't think anyone needs to worry about leaving the EU, or not leaving. Whatever did the Romans do for ME/CFS research? Nothing. If anything I think we are better off deciding what to do with our own money ourselves.

 

[Hoopoe]

The EU could be providing meaningful amounts of funding and for useful projects. If they can understand the urgency and the unusual situation and are given competent advice on what to do. The first step has already been taken.

 

[rvallee]

Nothing prevented this from happening in the first place. Yesterday or 5 years ago.

Given the economic impact if it happens, almost zero chance of this happening. Pipe dream.

Let's keep in mind the SMC was created to improve science journalism. The problem of the old boys club stifling science will only be amplified and elite is doing a lot of work here. In the field of medicine you can bet our buddy Simon would play a huge role, with a predictable outcome.