Fusion lab loses staff over Brexit

Doubts over financing and the possibility of restrictions on freedom of movement mean that the 100 researchers from outside the UK are considering their positions

The UK’s national laboratory for fusion research has called for a clearer position on the funding uncertainty it is facing ahead of Brexit, as some non-UK staff depart the site.

The Culham Centre for Fusion Energy is the largest single research site in the UK funded by the EU, with tens of millions of pounds being invested every year. However, doubts about whether financing will continue post-Brexit and the possibility of restrictions on freedom of movement for EU citizens mean that the 100 researchers from outside the UK working at the site are considering their positions. Five have already left. 

Culham is home to the Joint European Torus experimental reactor, the largest tokamak in the world, and holds the global record for sustaining the longest fusion reaction. Workers at the site have expressed fears that if an agreement on future funding cannot be reached with the EU then the reactor may have to be completely dismantled.

Ian Chapman, chief executive of the UK Atomic Energy Authority, said: “Nothing has changed, but we’re uncertain. We’re waiting for the government to have a clear position on its negotiation stance and what they’re aiming for with the UK research community.”