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'Could Lose Our Edge'

The UK could fall in its science and research standing in the wake of Brexit, the Guardian reports.

A new analysis published this week from the National Audit Office says the UK spent £8.75 billion (US$11.5 billion) on research and development in 2015, though it notes that lawmakers said last year that they'd add a further £4.7 billion ($6.2 billion) by 2021, the Guardian says. It adds that the report notes that the UK was a net recipient of European Union research funding, as it received €8.8 billion ($10.4 billion) between 2007 and 2013, while contributing €5.4 billion ($6.36 billion).

In addition, the Guardian reports that the analysis also uncovered a lack of leadership in the UK in certain scientific fields, such as robotics and advanced materials research. 

"As members of the EU, we have access to European projects, free movement of researchers, and billions of pounds of investment in the UK from the EU," Meg Hillier, the chair of the public accounts select committee in Parliament, tells the paper. "There is a risk we could lose our edge as a research power as a result of Brexit."

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