The UK Government has announced the launch of a new Global Talent Taskforce and a £54 million Global Talent Fund, aimed at attracting leading researchers, entrepreneurs, engineers, investors, and creatives to the country.
This will help the government’s Plan for Change and strengthen the country in critical science, technology, and fast-growing industries.
According to a statement released by the UK Government, the programme includes financial support for relocation, research costs, and visa processing. It will work alongside its immigration and innovation reforms, including updates to the High Potential Individual visa and targeted fellowships in artificial intelligence and green technology.
Global Talent Taskforce and Fund to Boost Skilled Migration
The Global Talent Taskforce will report directly to the Prime Minister and Chancellor. Its role will include identifying, approaching, and supporting top-tier talent worldwide. Details inform that the Taskforce will also collaborate with UK embassies and international offices to build a global pipeline of individuals interested in relocating to the country.
Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said, “A key part of our Plan for Change is ensuring Britain is the best place in the world to do business. We are solidifying our position as the first choice for the world’s brightest sparks.”
The Global Talent Fund will be delivered to top universities and organisations through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). Starting in 2025, it will cover 100% of eligible costs over five years, including relocation, research, and visa expenses for awardees and their dependents.
New Fast-Track Routes and Fellowships for International Experts
In addition to the Taskforce and Fund, the government announced two new fast-track research grant routes:
The Royal Society’s Faraday Discovery Fellowship, supported by £30 million, will provide accelerated international access for global researchers.
The Royal Academy of Engineering’s Green Future Fellowships will include a similar international route supported by a £150 million endowment from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).
Also announced were two targeted fellowship initiatives:
The Turing AI ‘Global’ Fellowships, which will allocate £25 million to world-leading AI academics, allowing them to conduct research and build teams within UK institutions.
The Encode: AI for Science Fellowship, an initiative embedding AI experts into scientific labs in the UK for a year-long development programme, with arrivals expected by autumn 2025.
Together, these schemes represent more than £115 million in funding to draw high-level talent to the UK across multiple sectors.
Support for the UK’s Industrial Strategy and International R&D Goals
The Global Talent Taskforce’s timing aligns with the UK’s forthcoming modern Industrial Strategy. The aim is to attract global expertise in line with domestic economic goals, enhance innovation, and increase secure, skilled employment.
Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said, “Genius is not bound by geography. The UK offers the infrastructure and institutions to turn ideas into medicines, products, and industries. We want to work with those advancing new ideas and give them a home in the UK.”
The country’s recent re-association with Horizon Europe also broadens access to international research funding. The EU has announced €500 million in funding through Choose Europe grants, allowing global researchers to collaborate with UK-based teams.
Sector Leaders Welcome UK Talent Strategy
Several key figures welcomed the announcement. Vivienne Stern MBE, Chief Executive of Universities UK, stated:
“These initiatives will attract the best and brightest from around the world to accelerate growth across the UK’s key sectors, which our great universities underpin.”
Sir Adrian Smith, President of the Royal Society, called the announcements “positive steps to position the country as an open and attractive destination for research and innovation talent.”
He also highlighted the importance of reducing visa costs.
Dr Andrew Clark from the Royal Academy of Engineering added that expanding international access to fellowships “ensures the Green Future Fellowships programme is always open to the best global talent.”
The Global Talent Taskforce will be housed within the Department for Business and Trade, with cross-departmental support. The announcement will not affect net migration figures.
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