Britain bars over 200 foreign scientists amid terror fears
(Agencies)
Updated: 2005-07-19 15:55

Security services have barred more than 200 foreign scientists from studying at British universities over the past four years, amid fears they could present a terrorist threat, a newspaper reported.

The Guardian newspaper said the scientists were among more than 2,000 vetted after applying to universities to do postgraduate or post-doctoral research in fields such as chemistry, microbiology and biotechnology.

The figures were released to the Guardian under the Freedom of Information Act as police continue to search for those linked to the London terror bombings on July 7.

The British authorities started taking greater security precautions in response to the September 11, 2001 terror attacks in the United States.

Universities have long been seen as attractive to potential terrorists because of the high level of scientific training on offer, the Guardian said.

Institutions can refer potentially suspect applicants for security clearance via the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's voluntary vetting scheme, which was set up in 1994 to prevent foreign scientists learning skills on British soil that could be used to develop weapons of mass destruction.

Under the scheme, universities can request security checks on scientists from 10 countries, including Pakistan, Syria, India and Egypt, who apply to study any of 21 scientific disciplines.

The documents, obtained before this month's bombings, reveal that 2,282 scientists were referred for vetting from 2001 until May this year. Of those, security officials recommended that 238 be rejected admission to their chosen university, the Guardian said.

In the year until May, eight foreign scientists had their applications rejected.

The scheme was being reviewed by the Cabinet Office when the bombers hit London. Many academics believe it is flawed and several prominent universities refuse to participate.