IOP responds to government review of visas to attract top AI and science talent

The IOP has responded to the announcement by the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, on the UK government reviewing international visas to entice more artificial intelligence (AI) and science workers.

Tom Grinyer, IOP chief executive, said: “The UK must continue to welcome international scientific talent if it is to keep its place as a leading science and technology nation and deliver the growth our economy needs.

“The proposed changes to international visas must attract talent in all sciences. It is particularly vital to fill our urgent physics skills gap – physics powers technologies that will drive growth now, and in the future, from AI itself to quantum, green technologies and nuclear.

“We must also not forget the importance of investment in home-grown skills by ensuring the next generation has access to high-quality, inclusive physics and STEM education, as well as supporting the thriving higher and further education sectors.”