Dear all,

The House of Lords Science and Technology Committee is
running an enquiry into the effect on UK science of the UK
exiting from the EU.

Two things arise from this. Firstly, the Campaign for Science
and Engineering (CaSE), to which both the BGA's parent
societies are affiliated, is running a questionnaire with a
deadline of 23rd October, to inform its submission to the
enquiry. The questionnaire is at:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1lU373XMJH1Xpg5Gktfzty9-H-xONWL0h3D_JCEqYUb0/viewform?usp=send_form

I have appended the full email from CaSE to the end of this
email, because they are looking for other information besides
the questionnaire (email [log in to unmask]).

Secondly, the British Geophysical Association is considering
whether to put in its own submission. Basically, if exit from the
EU will decimate UK geophysics, then the BGA has to tell the Lords so!
Hence we are asking you: do you think we should make a submission,
and if so, what should we say?

The call for the enquiry is at:


http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/lords-select/science-and-technology-committee/news-parliament-2015/eu-relationship-membership-inquiry/

It has a deadline of 20th November but we need to make a decision
long before that as to whether we make a submission, so please let
us know right away what you think.

These queries are on the Lords' website as a guide to the scope
of the enquiry:

* What is the scale of the financial contribution from the EU to UK science and research, and vice versa?
* How effectively are funds managed in the EU, compared to the management of science funding in the UK?
* What are the benefits to UK science and research in terms of collaboration and funding programmes such as Horizon 2020 and the European Research Council?
* How is private investment in UK science and research influenced by EU membership?
* What contribution does EU membership make to the quality of UK science and research through the free movement of people?
* Does EU membership inhibit collaborations with countries outside the EU?
* Which EU regulatory mechanisms greatly affect the science and research community in the UK?
* How does the quality and effectiveness of scientific advice on matters of public policy compare between the EU and the UK?

Please do let us know what you think - whether we should make a
submission and what to say. Specific examples will be particularly
useful in any submission.

Regards,
Sheila Peacock,
list co-owner and BGA Committee.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Survey on science and engineering research and EU membership
Date: Wed, 14 Oct 2015 16:10:59 +0100
From: Joanna Scales <[log in to unmask]>
To: undisclosed-recipients:;



Dear CaSE member,


With the UK set to have a referendum on EU membership, CaSE are working hard to inform the in/out debate in relation to UK science and engineering.


CaSE have undertaken a joint project with the Engineering Professors’ Council (EPC) to investigate the role that EU membership plays in UK science and engineering research. Our findings will be published in a report by the end of the year and this will also be submitted to the House of Lords inquiry on the influence of EU membership on UK science.


The report will present data on the level of EU funding for science and engineering research across the UK, including analysis of regional differences. It will also examine the role EU membership plays in supporting different forms of collaboration, and also in the involvement of industry in the research undertaken in the UK.


To assist with this work we have set up a survey to gather the views of research scientists and engineers. We would really appreciate it if you would be willing to complete the survey and also to pass it onto relevant colleagues.


Please find the survey here <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1lU373XMJH1Xpg5Gktfzty9-H-xONWL0h3D_JCEqYUb0/viewform?usp=send_form>. The deadline for responses is noon on the 23^rd of October.


We are also looking to collect examples of research projects which illustrate the role EU membership plays in science and engineering research in the UK. We would be very grateful if you would be willing to share your experiences with us.


If you have any examples, or questions regarding the project, please contact: [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]>


Best wishes,


*Joanna Scales*
Policy Officer

*Campaign for Science & Engineering*
Gordon House, 29 Gordon Square, London, WC1H 0PP
T: 02076794994 E: [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]>
www.sciencecampaign.org.uk <http://www.sciencecampaign.org.uk>
@sciencecampaign <https://twitter.com/sciencecampaign>