£1 billion boost to keep scientists in Europe

European science is to receive an extra €1.6 billion (£1 billion) to prevent a brain drain, begin a brain gain and encourage a brain circulation.

The European Commission is planning to double its mobility budget over the next five years, the largest single increase between the fifth and sixth framework programmes.

The money will be used to increase salaries and funding for research facilities in a bid to attract researchers back from the US.

The EC also wants to make it easier for scientists to transfer between member states by removing legal and administrative obstacles and coordinating national research policies.