Why the EU out campaign should be worried about science

Brexit would damage our research base, our economic prospects and our place in the world. The Scientists for EU campaign will make a compelling case for "in".

This morning, the Scientists for EU campaign is officially launched. Our 6,400 grassroots supporters on Facebook are now joined by an advisory board comprising some of the UK's leading scientists, including Lord Martin Rees, Sir Tom Blundell and Dame Anne Glover. The cross-party campaign also has representation from Labour, Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats. Together we will be fighting for the UK to remain part of the EU.

Six months ago, most political arguments for staying in the EU focused on single markets and top tables. However, the terms of the EU referendum are changing. At the party conferences over the last few weeks, research and universities have featured more prominently in pro-EU speeches.