For generations Britain has been a leader in global science, nurturing brilliant minds and fostering innovation. But that leadership cannot survive without a proper immigration system.
Research is a collaborative endeavour and knowledge is not bound by borders. Unfortunately, it seems that the Home Office disagrees with us. In the past year, several researchers have been unable to attend meetings in Britain because visas were denied or the application process was too slow. Earlier this week, 17 female researchers from Africa and Asia were refused visas for a conference for women in global health at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.
Participation of young leaders from low and middle-income countries in these events is essential if we are to address diversity imbalances in