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Title:
'Brain Drain' Debate in the United Kingdom, c.1950-1970

Subject Categories:
Higher and further - Education
General - Employment and labour
Science and technology history - History
Migration - Population, vital statistics and censuses

Depositor(s):
Balmer, B., University College London. Department of Science and Technology Studies

Principal Investigator(s):
Balmer, B., University College London. Department of Science and Technology Studies
Gregory, J., University College London. Department of Science and Technology Studies
Godwin, M., University College London. Department of Science and Technology Studies

Sponsor(s):
Economic and Social Research Council

Grant Number:
RES 000-22-1375

Abstract:
This qualitative project sought to provide an analysis of the 'brain drain' debate of the 1950s and 1960s as a social phenomenon.

The term 'brain drain' was adopted in the 1960s in the context of concerns the United Kingdom was losing skilled scientific and engineering personnel to other countries. Although the term is used in a variety of academic, policy and popular discussions about the international mobility of scientists, this project sought to rectify the absence of scholarly literature analysing the original 'brain drain' debate.

The dataset comprises of 19 oral history interviews with scientists and engineers who emigrated to the United States or Canada in the 1950s or 1960s as well as British policymakers involved in any way in the 'brain drain' debate at this time. Also included is the transcript of a 'witness seminar' that brought officials and former emigres together to discuss their recollections.

Further information on the dataset is available at the project's web site or ESRC funding award web page.
Main Topics:
Scientific migration; brain drain; popular science; engineering; cold war.

Coverage:
Time Period Covered: 1950-1970
Dates of Fieldwork: February 2006-May 2006
Country: Canada; United Kingdom; United States
Spatial Units: No spatial unit
Observation Units: Individuals
Kind of Data: Textual data; Semi-structured oral history interview transcripts and a witness seminar (panel discussion)

Universe Sampled:
Location of Units of Observation:Cross-national
Population:Scientists and Civil Servants who participated in the 'brain drain' debate concerning skilled migration in the 1960s.

Methodology:
Time Dimensions: Cross-sectional (one-time) study
Sampling Procedures: Purposive selection/case studies
Number of Units: 19 semi-structured oral history interview transcripts; one witness seminar (panel discussion) with 4 participants
Method of Data Collection: Face-to-face interview; Telephone interview; Also includes a witness seminar (panel discussion)
Weighting: Not applicable

Language(s) of Written Materials:
Study Description: English
Study Documentation: English

Access:
Access Conditions: The depositor has specified that registration is required and standard conditions of use apply. The depositor may be informed about usage. See terms and conditions for further information.
Availability: ESDS Qualidata, UK Data Archive
Contact: Help desk: qualidata@esds.ac.uk

Date of Release:
First Edition: 15 January 2009

Copyright:
Copyright B. Balmer

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