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International researcher mobility

The Royal Society is working to understand how, when, where and why researchers move around the world, and to ensure that appropriate policies are in place to support this.

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Following the UK's referendum on EU membership in 2016, the Society published evidence on international mobility and collaboration, to deepen our understanding of how, where and why researchers move to and from the UK.

In a world in which research is carried out on a truly global basis, collaboration and mobility are a key part of the business of science. International mobility ensures a circulation of skills and ideas around the world, and ‘brain circulation’ in the global research system sees scientists follow the best science and the best resources. The UK is a hub for excellent science with a truly international workforce.

The Society is working to deepen understanding of when, where and why researchers move, as well as how this impacts on their science and their careers. In May 2017, we published research and case studies (see below) that together present a picture of international researcher mobility to and from the UK, to the EU and beyond.

The Society has continued to be active on international researcher mobility. See for example our work on immigration costs, and visitor visas and short-term mobility arrangements.

Our research

Further reading

Research system, culture and funding

The UK has a world-class research system, producing high quality science that contributes to the country’s economic growth while also tackling society’s biggest challenges. The funding of research, along with the culture it supports, needs to continually evolve if science is to be the best it can be.

Read more