International researchers

It is common for researchers to move between countries as well as institutions during their research career. UK universities employ researchers from all over the world and many UK researchers undertake a period of employment abroad at some point in their careers.

The Lisbon agenda was established in 2000 to facilitate the movement of researchers within the European Research Area (ERA). Related policies, such as the European Charter and Code have helped, for example by making it easier for researchers to transfer their pensions between EU institutions.

A network of researcher mobility portals, called EURAXESS, has been established to provide country-specific information and support for researchers working in Europe, including:

• general information about research fellowships and grants
• research job vacancies and job offers published by the different sectors within the European research community (universities, industry, research organisations, foundations, etc)
• practical information about administrative and legal issues when moving from one country to another, as well as up-to-date information about cultural and family-related aspects (housing, schooling, day-care, language courses, etc)
• general information about research policies relevant to the career development of researchers in Europe.

The UK researcher mobility portal is hosted by the British Council. It provides up-to-date information and assistance for researchers undertaking research positions either within the UK or abroad.

The portal covers all aspects of mobility for researchers:

• ‘Working in the UK’ - for information on visas, work permits, finances, qualification recognition and intellectual property rights
• ‘Living and Practical Guide’ - for information on UK healthcare, social security, accommodation, childcare and schooling
• ‘UK News’ – up-to-date science and technology news from the UK
• ‘Research’ - an overview of the UK research landscape including funding, policy, mobility, UK events and testimonials
• ‘Job Vacancies’ - details of forthcoming positions within Europe
• ‘UK Network of Mobility Centres’ - provides access to a UK-wide customised assistance service
• ‘Out of the UK’ - access to information relating to working out of the UK, both within and outside the EU.

Many universities provide dedicated English language tuition, at a range of levels, for staff (including researchers) arriving from overseas. Some also provide tuition and social networking for spouses. Check your English language teaching centre for more information.