Wellcome chief asks future MEPs to back UK-EU ties

Jeremy Farrar, the director of the biomedical funder the Wellcome Trust, has written to British political leaders asking them to support R&D ties with the European Union through the European elections.

Elections for the next European Parliament, taking place from 23 to 26 May, present an opportunity for political parties “to help secure a positive future for science and research, even while the Brexit negotiations continue”, Farrar said in a letter to the leaders of major UK political parties contesting the election.

UK leadership in biomedical research should not be taken for granted, he warned. “Care will be needed to ensure that researchers can continue working together on the big scientific challenges our societies face, without additional barriers being created when the UK leaves the EU.”