Exeter Vice-Chancellor highlights vital role of European Union for universities

Sir Steve was one of 103 leaders to write an open letter, published in the Sunday Times, outlining the vital role the EU plays in supporting world-class universities across the country.

The correspondence outlines the EU’s positive impact for collaboration and the support provided for ‘cutting edge research, from medical and healthcare advances, to new materials, products and services.’ The university leaders also argue that ‘In the EU, the UK is also a more attractive destination for global talent, ensuring that our students are taught by the best minds from across Europe.’

The leaders warn that ‘leaving would mean cutting ourselves off from unique support and established networks and would undermine the UK’s position as a global leader in science, arts and innovation.’

Making clear their strong support for EU membership, they also write that they ‘are committed to highlighting the value of EU membership to our universities, ensuring that a range of views are heard on campuses, and debating why the EU matters to the British people, now and for the future.’

Sir Steve, the Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Exeter said: “The UK’s membership to the European Union has a positive impact on the influence our world-class universities, such as Exeter, have on key factors such as the economy, growth and employment that affect our everyday life.

“A key question we need to ask ourselves is ‘what kind of EU would develop without the influence of the UK?’ It is highly reasonable to suggest that a Brexit may have the unforeseen circumstances of undermining our role in pushing for excellence-based research funding.

“Such a move would not simply be harmful for UK Universities, but ultimately the UK’s economy and society as a whole. It would also weaken the European research community and the region’s prospects for future growth.”