While the United Kingdom's relationship with the European Union is in flux, I wish to emphasize that the Royal Society's president, Venki Ramakrishnan, and its foreign secretary, Martyn Poliakoff, are more strongly engaged with Europe than ever. They are determined to continue as an effective voice for international, collaborative science (see Nature 535, 467; 2016).

Prime Minister Theresa May said she is committed to “ensuring a positive outcome for UK science as we exit the European Union”. The Royal Society will work with the government to turn these words into actions and to see that the UK science community is heard in Brexit negotiations.

We have already laid the groundwork to help the country maintain its world-leading position in research and to continue attracting the best international researchers. We are also using evidence that was gathered by the Royal Society before the 23 June EU referendum to identify the best possible model of international collaboration to pursue within and beyond the EU.

Last month, our president called on the government to address post-Brexit uncertainty by underwriting the research of all UK-based scientists funded by the EU. Under #ScienceIsGlobal, we have brought more than 30 organizations from 24 European nations together to seek assurance from their respective governments that our scientists can continue to collaborate for the benefit of society.