Russell Group calls for expanded visa eligibility to improve UK-US research links

The Russell Group has called for the UK government to develop stronger ties between UK and US researchers, in hopes of securing and maintaining long-term partnerships.

This has been prioritised following the findings of a new report published in October by a group of research-intensive universities.

US export controls [are] a research security barrier to more collaborations between the UK and US

The report references the US as by far the UK’s largest research collaborator, with nearly 28% of the UK’s international co-authored papers in 2023 having a US-based author.

On top of this, 60.8% of Russell Group papers had an international co-author in 2024, with 29.4% of all collaborative papers including a US researcher.

Citing the rising concerns around visa costs in both the UK and the US, the report drew attention to mobility as “one of the most emphasised areas for funding support”.

Alongside this, the report mentions US export controls as a research security barrier to more collaborations between the UK and the US for many universities.

The report concluded with a full list of 19 recommendations to strengthen research links between the UK and US.

By removing barriers to strong research links, the Russell Group intends to improve research mobility

Among these recommendations is the incentive to expand the Global Talent Visa, by “encouraging the UK government to work with endorsing bodies” to “attract high-potential R&D talent”.

Other recommendations included a UK research security fund, ideal for strengthening national security, and to “secure valuable overseas partnerships”.

Such recommendations were proposed in line with the UK-US Tech Prosperity Deal made in September, with key areas for proposed increased collaboration being in the science and technology fields, such as engineering biology and medicine.

Tim Bradshaw, Chief Executive of the Russell Group, has said that “addressing common challenges and opportunities” between the UK and the US will help to strengthen “knowledge networks, shared understanding and a stronger talent pool for the future”.

By removing barriers to strong research links, the Russell Group intends to improve research mobility. This will allow for researchers from the US to work and continue to form impactful collaborations in the UK.