The role of EU regulation and policy in governing UK research

A referendum on the United Kingdom’s membership of the European Union took place on 23 June 2016. This report provides an insight into the role of the EU in developing EU and global policies that influence research conducted in the UK. It provides an overview of how EU policy is made and a number of case studies illustrating the development and implementation of EU and global policy that govern UK research. It attempts to show where  scientific advice and evidence are drawn on throughout these processes although does not claim to be comprehensive. It does not attempt to assess the value of these policymaking processes or the impact of the policies themselves. 

This is the third part of a phased project gathering evidence about the influence of the UK’s relationship with the EU on research. It is intended to inform debate. Previous phases have looked at the role of the EU in funding UK research and its role in researchers’ international collaboration and mobility.