12th February 2020 14:45
By Blue Tutors
Both UK and European Universities have signed a statement expressing their wish that UK Universities remain part of the European Research Scheme after Brexit. Reported on the BBC, when Britain leaves the EU, it could see an end to the funding received by the UK in collaboration with other European institutions, and also the Erasmus student exchange programme.
36 institutions have supported the statement and asked for a “swift agreement” so that research is unaffected and the call has been backed by the CBI Business Group and Universities UK. The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy responded by saying that they intend to continue involvement in all partnerships beneficial for the UK.
The next round of Horizon Europe funding will be worth £84bn, from which UK universities would receive around £5bn, but currently there is no agreement which means this would continue. The UK can pay to remain eligible for this funding and to be in the Erasmus Scheme as an associate member.
Boris Johnson has reassured students that they will still be able to take part in exchange programmes, and his government believe that collaboration with European Universities will remain provided that they are in the UK’s interests. However, neither of these statements can be confirmed until an agreement has been made post-Brexit.