The UK has announced it will be starting a fast-track visa program aimed at attracting top scientists there, BBC News reports.
"The UK has a proud history of scientific discovery, but to lead the field and face the challenges of the future we need to continue to invest in talent and cutting-edge research," Prime Minister Boris Johnson says in a statement. "That is why as we leave the EU I want to send a message that the UK is open to the most talented minds in the world, and stand ready to support them to turn their ideas into reality."
There have been concerns that Brexit would affect scientific funding, collaborations, and opportunities in the UK as well as affect the ability of EU researchers already working in the UK to stay and the ability of the UK to recruit new researchers. In August, Prime Minister Boris Johnson proposed a plan for fast-track visas that ease restrictions for skilled workers to assuage these concerns.
The Associated Press reports that this visa plan, called the Global Talent visas, will go into effect next month following Britain's exit from the EU at the end of January. BBC News adds that these visas will be overseen by UK Research and Innovation Agency rather than the Home Office so applications are weighed on their scientific credentials.