EU Referendum Result Creates Challenges For UK Universities

KUALA LUMPUR, June 25 (Bernama) -- Significant challenges are awaiting universities across United Kingdom as the UK voted to leave the European Union (EU) Friday. President of Universities UK Dame Julia Goodfellow said leaving the EU would not happen overnight as there would be a gradual exit process with significant opportunities to seek assurances and influence future policy. "Throughout the transition period, our focus will be on securing support that allows our universities to continue to be global in their outlook, internationally networked and an attractive destination for talented people from across Europe. "These features are central to ensuring that British universities continue to be the best in the world," she said in a statement after the referendum results were announced. The referendum was held Thursday to decide whether UK should leave or remain in the EU. The Leave campaign soared to victory forcing Prime Minister David Cameron to step down. "Our first priority will be to convince the UK Government to take steps to ensure that staff and students from EU countries can continue to work and study at British universities," she said. In addition to that, Gooldfellow said Universities UK would also convince the government to promote the UK as a welcoming destination for the brightest and best minds. "They make a powerful contribution to university research and teaching and have a positive impact on the British economy and society," she noted. Founded in 1918, Universities UK is the representative organisation for the UK's universities, which mission is to be the definitive voice for all universities in the UK. With 133 members and offices in London, Cardiff and Edinburgh, it promotes the strength and success of UK universities nationally and internationally. Meanwhile a University of Sheffield spokesperson said they are carefully considering the implications of the result of the EU referendum to the university and to their staff and students. "Scholars from these countries are central to the teaching of students and research in everything from medicine and science to engineering, social sciences and the arts and humanities. "However, we should remember that leaving the EU will not happen overnight. The Lisbon Treaty foresees a two-year negotiation process between the UK and other member states, during which time the terms of the UK’s exit from the EU will be decided," the spokesperson said in a statement published on the university’s website today. According to the spokesperson, for this reason, there would not be any immediate material change to the immigration status of current and prospective EU students and staff or to the UK university sector’s participation in EU programmes. "Our primary concern at this time is for those staff and students who may be affected by the outcome of the referendum, and we will continue to offer advice and support to them over the coming weeks and months," the spokesperson added. -- BERNAMA