Menu
09/10/2018
University Experts Warn Brexit Will Stall Cancer Research
Experts have predicted that Brexit will cause a deadly blow to lifesaving cancer research throughout the UK due to a possible "medical manpower crisis".
The warning comes from leading experts at Queen's University Belfast who anticipate a "catastrophic Brexit effect" on lifesaving research and cancer care.
The UK has a reputation as a "powerhouse for cancer research," however Brexit holds the potential to trigger a manpower crisis that could negatively affect health and seriously harm the standard of research here.
The experts from Belfast have said the decline will have a detrimental impact on the health of residents across the UK.
Professor Mark Lawler from the Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology at Queen's University warned of the looming crisis.
He said: "The 'Brexit effect' on our research reputation could be catastrophic, and given that high quality research underpins better cancer outcomes, we risk undermining the cancer care of our patients.
"The challenge of cancer is so great, it is critical that we bring together the best minds to find the best solutions to improve cancer outcomes for our citizens."
According to researchers, a loss of human capital is possible due to restrictions on freedom of movement from the EU to a post-Brexit UK, which could lead to serious consequences for the quality and impact of research. "Currently, in the UK we attract high quality talent and that is why we are a powerhouse for cancer research across Europe," Professor Lawler said.
The claims by Queen's University experts follow a study carried out at the University of Leeds in collaboration with King's College London, in which it was revealed that a high number of researchers behind ground-breaking UK research are from EU countries, with one fifth of Queen's University's research staff non-UK born.
Professor Richard Sullivan, Director of the Institute for Cancer Policy at Kings College London has warned that the UK has already lost research funding.
He said: "In the uncertainty of a post-Brexit world, we risk the distinct possibility that cancer scientists from other parts of the EU won't want to or won't be allowed to work in the UK.
"The knock-on effect could be devastating. Our results indicate a very positive and statistically significant contribution of foreign staff to the UK cancer research knowledge base, one that we must preserve following the UK's departure from the EU."
(JG)
The warning comes from leading experts at Queen's University Belfast who anticipate a "catastrophic Brexit effect" on lifesaving research and cancer care.
The UK has a reputation as a "powerhouse for cancer research," however Brexit holds the potential to trigger a manpower crisis that could negatively affect health and seriously harm the standard of research here.
The experts from Belfast have said the decline will have a detrimental impact on the health of residents across the UK.
Professor Mark Lawler from the Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology at Queen's University warned of the looming crisis.
He said: "The 'Brexit effect' on our research reputation could be catastrophic, and given that high quality research underpins better cancer outcomes, we risk undermining the cancer care of our patients.
"The challenge of cancer is so great, it is critical that we bring together the best minds to find the best solutions to improve cancer outcomes for our citizens."
According to researchers, a loss of human capital is possible due to restrictions on freedom of movement from the EU to a post-Brexit UK, which could lead to serious consequences for the quality and impact of research. "Currently, in the UK we attract high quality talent and that is why we are a powerhouse for cancer research across Europe," Professor Lawler said.
The claims by Queen's University experts follow a study carried out at the University of Leeds in collaboration with King's College London, in which it was revealed that a high number of researchers behind ground-breaking UK research are from EU countries, with one fifth of Queen's University's research staff non-UK born.
Professor Richard Sullivan, Director of the Institute for Cancer Policy at Kings College London has warned that the UK has already lost research funding.
He said: "In the uncertainty of a post-Brexit world, we risk the distinct possibility that cancer scientists from other parts of the EU won't want to or won't be allowed to work in the UK.
"The knock-on effect could be devastating. Our results indicate a very positive and statistically significant contribution of foreign staff to the UK cancer research knowledge base, one that we must preserve following the UK's departure from the EU."
(JG)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
10 October 2001
Call for more information on smoking health risks
With this week focusing on women and cancer a local councillor has spoken out and has called for more information to be made to women about the risks of smoking to their health.
Call for more information on smoking health risks
With this week focusing on women and cancer a local councillor has spoken out and has called for more information to be made to women about the risks of smoking to their health.
28 October 2004
UU launches world-class researchers search
The University of Ulster has launched a campaign to attract world-class researchers to Northern Ireland as part of new research institute structures. The University is establishing 13 new research institutes as part of a strategic initiative to develop its position as a centre for outstanding research.
UU launches world-class researchers search
The University of Ulster has launched a campaign to attract world-class researchers to Northern Ireland as part of new research institute structures. The University is establishing 13 new research institutes as part of a strategic initiative to develop its position as a centre for outstanding research.
13 January 2004
NI Economic Research Institute swings into operation
The new Economic Research Institute will play an important role in contributing to economic debate and understanding in Northern Ireland and in the development of the local economy", according to Ian Pearson Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State.
NI Economic Research Institute swings into operation
The new Economic Research Institute will play an important role in contributing to economic debate and understanding in Northern Ireland and in the development of the local economy", according to Ian Pearson Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State.
26 February 2013
Prostate Cancer Research Begins
Researchers from the University of Ulster have been awarded a £214,000 grant to investigate a new drug combination to help reduce the spread of prostate cancer to other parts of the body.
Prostate Cancer Research Begins
Researchers from the University of Ulster have been awarded a £214,000 grant to investigate a new drug combination to help reduce the spread of prostate cancer to other parts of the body.
17 October 2006
Fusion signs deal with leading Canadian biotech company
Enterprise Minister Maria Eagle has today welcomed a significant contract won by Dunmurry-based Fusion Antibodies from ARIUS Research Inc of Canada. Fusion Antibodies, which develops innovative products for cancer research signed the deal with ARIUS Research Inc. one of Canada’s leading biotechnology businesses.
Fusion signs deal with leading Canadian biotech company
Enterprise Minister Maria Eagle has today welcomed a significant contract won by Dunmurry-based Fusion Antibodies from ARIUS Research Inc of Canada. Fusion Antibodies, which develops innovative products for cancer research signed the deal with ARIUS Research Inc. one of Canada’s leading biotechnology businesses.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
