Position statement—Brexit and international science

28 June 2016

On 23 June, 2016 a majority voted in favour of the United Kingdom leaving the European Union. This withdrawal is likely to cause disruption to international collaborative scientific programs involving the UK, some of which may need to be renegotiated or reconsidered, depending on the nature and timing of the UK’s exit from the EU.

To the extent that Australian scientists engage in research with UK and other European collaborators, it is expected that Australia will experience some impacts as well.

However, there are strong natural links between Australia and the UK that form a solid base for continued scientific engagement and collaboration between the two countries. Australian researchers will continue to work closely with collaborators in the UK, the rest of Europe and other countries, and the Australian Academy of Science remains committed to building and strengthening its relationships with scientific societies and organisations in the UK and other parts of Europe.

The Australian Academy of Science was established by Royal Charter in 1954 and has an elected Fellowship of over 500 leading Australian scientists. The Academy celebrates and supports excellence in Australian science, promotes international scientific engagement, builds public awareness and understanding of science and provides independent, authoritative and influential scientific advice. Through its National Committees for Science, the Academy also acts as the auspicing body for Australia’s membership of many international scientific unions and societies, and engages in and facilitates bilateral and multilateral international scientific engagement programs in its own right and on behalf of the Australian government.

© 2024 Australian Academy of Science

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