UK report details migration patterns of scientists

Physics Today: Global competition for scientists and engineers (S&Es) is rising as their role in economic development is increasingly recognized. Many countries are looking to S&Es from overseas to address skills gaps: in February 2008 introduction of new immigration laws favouring some categories of skilled migrant began in the UK.

The Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST) recently looked at the causes and impacts of migration of S&Es, focusing on the impact of the developing world. According to POST many S&Es leave their countries due to low wages, lack of career development, and because of a lack of research funding. There is a net flow of S&Es from developing countries to developed countries.

The net influx is allowing UK universities to continue teaching and conducting research in fields such as chemistry, physics and mathematics, where staff faculty numbers have been falling.

Although India and China lose a high number of S&Es to developed countries, it is a small percentage of the overall skilled population (5%). Countries in sub-Saharan Africa such as Gambia have 60% of their S&E workforce abroad, leading too a significant effect on their education and technology base.

Related Link
International Migration of Scientists and Engineers