Rothamsted Research in Harpenden has not been involved in any organised campaign regarding today’s EU Referendum, explaining that “it is difficult to predict the potential effects that a decision to leave the union may have on our work”.
But, director and chief executive of the research institute, Prof Achim Dobermann, pointed out: “We currently collaborate with colleagues in the EU, we have EU nationals as members of staff and receive funding for some projects from the EU.
Prof Dobermann said that as sustainability, food security and “nutrition challenges we face are global, providing solutions requires coordinated international efforts.
“Science can only thrive through collaborative endeavours that enable sharing of know-how, data and resources.”
He went on: “Researchers need wide access to international science collaboration mechanisms as well as funding, and there must be easy movement of people across countries.
“Remaining in the EU and working towards even more efficient ways of collaboration will greatly benefit science and innovation and thus also agricultural businesses and consumers in the UK.”
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