Expert Reaction

EXPERT REACTION: What will Brexit mean for Aussie science?

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Brexit is a reality - Britain has voted to leave the EU. With the shock waves beginning to be felt, we asked Australian experts what the implications might be for Australian scientists

Expert Reaction

These comments have been collated by the Science Media Centre to provide a variety of expert perspectives on this issue. Feel free to use these quotes in your stories. Views expressed are the personal opinions of the experts named. They do not represent the views of the SMC or any other organisation unless specifically stated.

Professor Les Field AM FAA is the Australian Academy of Science's Secretary of Science Policy

Brexit is likely to cause significant disruption to international collaborative research programs involving the UK, and to the extent that Australian researchers engage in those programs, there will likely be some impacts here.

However, there are strong natural links between Australia and the UK, and it is possible that the decision may provide opportunities for Australian researchers.  The UK will now potentially be more open to the rest of the world – having the UK as part of the EU has often meant that there was preferential access to positions, resources, collaborations etc for those that were part of the EU and lifting that restriction may provide new opportunities for Australia.

Last updated:  03 Nov 2016 6:52pm
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