Campaign aims to lure researchers to the UK

The UK government has launched a new international talent website aimed at attracting thousands of research and innovation experts to the country.

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David Sapsted

10 February 2022

Launched this week, the 'Global Talent' website aims to provide information about routes to work in, and with, the nation's universities, research institutions and businesses.The website, run by the government in collaboration with national research funder UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), also offers an advice service for international researchers on issues such as funding, career opportunities, visas, immigration and living in the UK.

UKRI: new online service will serve the UK's research and innovation system

UKRI says it is ensuring the site will serve the nation's "dynamic and diverse research and innovation system" and will also support the health of the system as a whole."This online service will help to support the government’s goal to recruit an additional 150,000 people in the UK research and development workforce by 2030," said the UKRI in a statement."It also forms part of UKRI’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that the research and innovation community has the capacity and tools to work to the best of their ability."

Research: forging the path for increased domestic and international collaboration in the UK

UKRI added that in order to produce the best research and innovation, the UK had to realise the potential of both domestic and international expertise, and must identify where international collaboration was necessary.Prof Dame Ottoline Leyser, UKRI chief executive, said: "The success of our knowledge economy is dependent on collaboration and increased connectivity across the research and innovation system in the UK and globally."Tackling challenges such as the climate crisis depends on connecting a wealth of research and innovation activity."This service will help facilitate the much needed flow of people and ideas, joining up the research and innovation system to enable crucial discoveries and deliver tangible benefits to society."

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New UK fund to create more AI and data conversions courses

In a separate development on Thursday, the government announced a £23 million fund to create more AI and data conversion courses to helping young people from under-represented groups - including women, ethnic minorities and the disabled - to join the UK’s tech industries.Up to 2,000 scholarships for AI degree AI conversion courses will be available, said Minister for Tech and the Digital Economy Chris Philp."The UK is already a world leader in AI," he added. "Today we’re investing millions to ensure people from all parts of society can access the opportunities and benefits AI is creating in this country."We are doubling the number of AI scholarships previously available to under-represented groups to build a diverse and inclusive workforce fit for the future of tech."