How you can help UK research
It’s a tumultuous time for UK research: a vote to leave the EU, UK politics in significant flux and a restructuring of the government bodies which fund science all mean that there is uncertainty at every turn.
We need to make the case for science loud and clear. Here’s how you can help.
Volunteer
Scienceogram and our friends at Science is Vital need you! We’re looking for volunteers, from general jobs like getting the word out to specific technical skills like helping us improve our websites, there’s a list of things we’re after over on the Science is Vital blog. If you haven’t got time to volunteer, sign up for the Science is Vital mailing list so we can keep in touch.
Any extra pairs of hands will make it easier for us to make the strongest possible case for UK research. Please get involved if you can.
Come to our meeting
The Science is Vital Annual General Meeting is coming up at the start of next month. We’ll be bringing together volunteers and making plans for the year ahead. If you can make it along to Charles Darwin House in London on Tuesday 13th September, sign up for a ticket here. If not, the event will be live-streamed: register your interest on the Facebook event for details.
Petition: Maintaining access to EU research programmes
Please take two minutes to sign this petition calling for continued UK access to EU research programmes. The EU not only provides around 10% of UK public funding of R&D, but it’s also an essential part of the UK’s ability to collaborate and compete on the international scientific stage. At the time of writing, it has over 35,000 signatures. If it gets to 100,000, it will be considered for a debate in Parliament. Get signing!
Scientists for EU
Scientists for EU worked tirelessly before the referendum to make the scientific case for EU membership, and after the results came in their efforts have only increased. If you’re not doing so already, please follow @Scientists4EUon Twitter and like them on Facebook.
They’re also collating examples of the effects of Brexit on UK research. As we discovered last week, the effects are already being felt: UK scientists are being dropped from collaborations due to uncertainty over future funding. If you have a story, please respond to their survey.