The British public's vote to leave the EU has set off political and scientific shock waves that could roil Europe and the world for years to come. The decision has dismayed scientists in the UK and across Europe, as it stands to disrupt scientific funding and the UK's stature in the European and international research communities. The UK could spend two years or more negotiating the terms of its divorce from the 28-member economic and political bloc. In that time, the country will have to work through many difficult questions about what the separation means for scientists and for global science policy. The breakup engenders concerns that the UK could suffer a brain drain, either because their funding suffers or because the loss of the EU guarantee of free movement across member states causes scientists to lose their status in the UK, or to not feel welcome. The Brexit might possibly cause potential damage to the UK's reputation as a destination for top-flight researchers. Also at stake is European funding for the UK's research universities, which totals more than a billion pounds per year. The UK's departure from the EU may also diminish the country's role in influencing the union's research plans. "In almost every area of science now, you can't be a lone wolf and do it on your own," says Philip Jones, research director of the University of East Anglia. "You have to work with others. And the EU provides that potential. "