Short-term researcher mobility enables international collaboration and increases the impact and reach
of scientific discoveries and innovations. Making the UK a top global hub for conferences and other
research-related visits supports government policy on attracting science and technology talent to the
UK. It also comes with economic and soft power advantages which extend beyond science.
This report analyses the UK’s visitor visa arrangements for international researchers. Drawing on data
from UK and international sources and a series of stakeholder interviews, it finds barriers and
inefficiencies with the current system which cast doubt on its effectiveness. The recommendations –
summarised below – are aimed at improving the experience for hosts and visitors while maintaining UK
border security.
Authors
- Published in
- United Kingdom
