Cambridge University astrophysicist loses Esa project role over Brexit row

A Cambridge University astrophysicist who was hoping to play a major part in the European Space Agency's (Esa) next big project has been forced to hand over his coordinating role after the row over Northern Ireland.

A colleague in the Netherlands took over the leadership role in the pan-European Marie Curie Network research project on Friday.

The UK's membership of the flagship HE funding network has not been approved by the European Commission, so scientists from the UK can't hold leadership roles.

The network that was to have been led by Walton was related to the Esa mission.

He is one of a few British physicists approved for a HE grant, but must now take a passenger seat in his own project.

The UK's research funding from the EU is at risk.

The dilemma of moving to the EU or hand is being faced by a physicist who has won 2.6 million in funding from the Marie Curie network.

We are at risk of losing our leadership in this consortium and being left out.

He said it was heartbreaking, given the long and successful track record in scientific collaboration between the UK and EU.

The loss of roles in the research networks is only one part of the picture. A ringside seat in bigger projects worth billions of euros can be found with Horizon Europe.

Welsch said that the damage was already being done.

The opportunity to be part of the European team defining the science case for the 1 billion euro successor to Gaia came with the coordinating role.

The UK is a wealthier society because of jobs and the economy.

The EU ambassador to the UK admitted last week that British science could be a victim of the political stalemate.

The window for association is closing fast and we need to make sure political issues don't get in the way of a sensible solution. We have always been clear that association is the preferred outcome for protecting decades of collaborative research, and the benefits this has brought to people across the continent and beyond.

Welsch is considering his options and said an offer by the UK to step in with alternate funding is fantastic.

He says it's not a replacement.

While the UK Research and Innovation guarantee fund provides vital financial support and allows UK institutions to contribute as Associated Partners (without EU funding), it means that UK institutions can no longer lead projects, can no longer be in charge of project milestones, and overall it feels as if.