Attempt To Check U.K. ‘Brain Drain’

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30277, 1 November 1963, Page 6

Attempt To Check U.K. ‘Brain Drain’

(N.Z.P JI.-Reuter—Copyright)

LONDON, Oct. 31

A six-point plan to beat the “brain drain” of British scientists to the United States is being considered by the Government and action has already been taken on some points. The annual report of the Advisory Council on scientific Policy reveals that it put the proposals to the Minister of Science (Lord Hailsham) last May after a review by the Royal Society bad shown a high proportion of scientists and leading university men emigrating to the United States.

The council then urged the Science Minister to:

Review university salaries. Increase the number of sen-

ior university posts. Step up the speed in awarding research grants. Increase research budgets of university scientific de-

partments. Increase the scale of techni-

cal aid at all levels of university research. Award post-doctoral fellowship’s to be held on their return by outstanding men before they leave for research experience overseas. Review Under Way

lit says that a review of salaries is already well advanced and Lord Hailsham

has announced more grants for research. Steps are being taken to speed the award of grants. The council’s report gives among reasons for the emigration of scientists the difference to salary scales to the two countries.

A belief existed only by going abroad can certain scientists find the opportunities necessary for research and that facilities and opportunities for advancement

were generally better to America.

Another point is that scientists have a higher social status to America than Britain.