British people will soon choose to stay in or leave the European Union (EU). It is called Brexit. People have strong feelings about leaving and staying. Many scientists say staying is best for British science. One of them said: "Inside the EU, Britain helps [guide] the biggest scientific powerhouse in the world."

Top British scientist Stephen Hawking said Brexit would be, "a disaster for UK science". Britain would get less research money. British scientists would not work as often with European scientists. However, the campaign group Scientists For Britain says Brexit would be better for British science. It would not harm the UK.