UK to reimburse visa fees for AI and quantum researchers

Academics focused on sectors including artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing and semiconductors could have their visa fees refunded when they come to the UK, the government has announced. 

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to unveil new incentives to attract international talent to Britain on 20 January as she appears before business leaders and investors at the economic forum in Davos. 

As part of its drive for scientific talent, the government has said it will reimburse visa fees for some academics and researchers, to help make the UK “the first choice for top talent coming to work, study and build businesses”. 

Critics have previously said the rising cost of obtaining UK visas is deterring talent from Britain, with research suggesting the UK’s Global Talent visa – the main route for promising researchers to come to the country – is the most expensive visa compared with other leading science nations. 

The government also announced that four more scientists have been recruited via the Global Talent Fund – a £54 million scheme to attract international researchers to the UK. 

Among the new recruits are two computer scientists set to join the University of Cambridge  – Katie Seaborn, formerly at Tokyo’s Institute of Science, and Dong Ma, who previously worked at Singapore Management University.

In addition, neuroscientist George Mangun and molecular biologist John Lindner will join the University of Birmingham.

Four academics have already come to the UK under the programme, which is expected to support the relocation of up to 80 scientists altogether. 

“We are positioning the UK as the destination of choice for the brightest minds and innovators as we strive to lead the global race for talent,” said business and trade secretary Peter Kyle. 

“By attracting leaders in AI, quantum, life sciences, and clean energy, we will drive growth, innovation and make the UK the premier launchpad for the world’s best entrepreneurs.”

The government also said that new scholarships to study at UK universities will be made available for gold medallists at the International Mathematical Olympiad – a secondary school-level competition.

The scholarships will including internships with “world-leading” research teams and start-ups, coordinated by the Advanced Research and Invention Agency.

helen.packer@timeshighereducation.com