Top minds are leaving Britain for Spain amid concerns over the effects of Brexit and the cost of living crisis in the UK.

Almost a third, or 32.8 per cent, of the 58 top researchers who won places on Spain’s ATRAE (Attract) scheme had been working in the UK.

Britain lost the largest number of scientists to Spain, according to the countries whose scientists applied for posts on the ATRAE scheme. Almost all of those who left the UK were foreign scientists based in Britain.

Designed to attract the top brains from around the world, the programme offers scientists €1m (£868,500) each to set up a team and carry out research at academic institutions in Spain.

Last week the Spanish government approved the last round for this year’s €45m (£39m) scheme for leading scientists in their fields.