The Uk: Thinking Big Or Small?

No member state has ever left the European Union (EU), and so the idea that the United Kingdom (UK) might leave has stirred fierce debate ever since Prime Minister David Cameron promised a referendum on membership nearly a year ago. On 23 June 2016, British citizens have a choice to make. Public opinion in the UK is split on a British exit from the EU, or a “Brexit.” A recent survey indicates that the majority of researchers favor the UK remaining in the EU.* As a British scientist and former Chief Scientific Adviser to the President of the European Commission, I believe that it benefits the UK, the EU, and global science for the UK to remain a strong committed member of the EU.