Scientists warn May and Juncker of crippling effect of no-deal Brexit

Thirty-five world-known researchers, Nobel prizewinners and winners of Fields Medals, have issued a stark warning about the devastating impact of a no-deal Brexit on science.

In letters addressed to UK prime minister Theresa May and European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker, 29 Nobel laureates and six winners of the prestigious Fields Medal urge the “closest possible cooperation between the UK and the EU” after Brexit to preserve vital scientific research.

“All parties in the negotiations on the UK’s departure from the European Union must now strive to ensure that as little harm as possible is done to research,” the letters said. “It is widely recognised that investing in research and innovation is increasingly crucial for shaping a better European future.”