In advance of the forthcoming Immigration White Paper, the University of Sussex has joined the Campaign for Science and Engineering (CaSE) and 36 other organisations to advocate for a more internationally competitive and flexible immigration policy for researchers and international students.

A joint letter has been sent to Parliamentary decision makers, to highlight the critical role of global talent in driving the UK's economic growth and maintaining its world-leading research environment.

The letter, addressed to supportive Parliamentarians and members of relevant Parliamentary committees, emphasises the potential negative consequences of restrictive immigration policies on the UK's R&D sector and university financial stability. It also includes evidence supporting the need for policy reforms to attract and retain global talent.

Key points outlined in the letter include:

• Economic Growth: Attracting skilled researchers is essential for leveraging increased investment in R&D to drive economic growth.
• Innovation and Expertise: International researchers bring new knowledge and expertise, fostering innovation and upskilling the UK workforce.
• Financial Sustainability: International students contribute significantly to the financial health of UK universities, ensuring their ability to continue driving innovation. You can read the full letter [63kb PDF].