Groups representing more than 150 UK universities tell MPs crashing out of EU without a deal would compromise vital research links
University leaders from more than 150 UK institutions have warned MPs a no-deal Brexit would be a "serious setback" for climate change research and scientific discovery.
In an open letter to MPs today, the universities called for long-term guarantees over future European research funding streams "as a matter of urgency".
They warned crashing out of the European Union without a deal on March 29 could lead to "an academic, cultural and scientific setback from which it would take decades to recover".
The intervention came from a coalition of higher education groups, including Universities UK, the Russell Group, Guild HE, MillionPlus and University Alliance.
It highlighted the "significant uncertainty" over the future of climate research funding among university staff and students. "Vital research links will be compromised, from new cancer treatments to technologies combatting climate change," the letter read. "The valuable exchange of students, staff and knowledge would be seriously damaged. And we share the concerns of business about the impact of 'no-deal' on everything from supply chains to security and travel."
The letter calls on the government to "demonstrate the required ambition, put the right measures and guarantees in place, and, crucially, avoid the UK crashing out of the EU without a deal on 29 March".
It is not the first time fears have been raised over the impact a chaotic Brexit could have on UK scientific research. The government has previously promised to underwrite all UK competitive bids for EU-funded projects submitted before Brexit, as well as extending this guarantee to cover UK participants' funding from the EU's Horizon 2020 programme in the event of a no-deal scenario.
But university leaders also want guarantees from ministers of replacement funding from other European research streams from which the UK could be excluded after Brexit, particularly the European Research Council (ERC) and Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), and for commitments to extend beyond 2020.
Both the ETC and the MSCA help provide funding for a raft of "vital" UK academic research, including on combatting climate change and developing new cancer treatments. Together funding from these sources will be worth an estimated €1.3bn to the UK over the next two years, the letter argued.
Professor Dame Janet Beer, president of Universities UK, said Britain is at the forefront of scientific research, but that much of it has to date only been possible through EU research collaborations on projects led by UK universities.
"We are home to one of the best research systems in the world, attractive to stellar academics, top students and global partnerships, and we must not let this be compromised by a no deal Brexit," she said. "Time is running out to make decisions on issues which will ultimately affect the country and society as a whole. Without cast-iron assurances, world-leading academics and researchers may leave for countries where access to ERC funding is not at risk, and those currently considering relocating to the UK may think again."
A vote in Parliament over Prime Minister Theresa May's deal is expected to take place later this month, but it is far from clear whether the PM has enough votes in the Commons for it to pass. Unless the government finds some way to break through the Parliamentary deadlock, many fear the UK is heading for a 'no deal' Brexit.
In response to the letter, the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) said it was considering what other measures may be necessary to support UK research and innovation in the event of a no-deal scenario, but stressed the UK's "proud record" in scientific research would not change after Brexit.
"Science recognises no borders and the UK has a proud record of welcoming the world's leading scientists and researchers to work and study here," BEIS said in a statement. "This will not change when we leave the EU. Through our modern Industrial Strategy we are investing the highest ever level in research and development in UK history and we are committed to seeking an ambitious future relationship on science and innovation with our EU partners."