British people will soon vote on 'Brexit' - whether or not to stay in or leave the European Union (EU). 'Brexit' means Britain's, or British, exit. It is a big issue for Europe. People have strong feelings about leaving and staying. A group of 13 scientists has come together in support of staying. They are all Nobel Prize winners. The group says leaving the EU would be a "key risk" to British science. A spokesman said it was important for science that Britain stayed in Europe. He said: "Inside the EU, Britain helps steer the biggest scientific powerhouse in the world."
A top British scientist, Stephen Hawking, said Brexit would be, "a disaster for UK science". Other scientists say that Britain would get less money from the EU for research. British scientists may not work as often or as closely with European colleagues. Professor Hawking said young European scientists come to Britain to work, but this could slow down after a Brexit. However, the campaign group Scientists For Britain says Brexit would be better for British science. It says that the UK would not suffer financially from Brexit. It could still get research money from the EU.
