1 February 2020 marks the beginning of the transition period following the UK’s exit from the EU. As the UK and the EU begin negotiations about their future relationship, it is critical that close collaboration in science, education and innovation are prioritised within these discussions.
Societal challenges like climate change respect no boundaries. Addressing them requires the continued transnational collaboration among scientists across disciplines and countries. It is also essential that future generations of students will be educated across borders, enabling them to become leaders in their fields.
The Guild’s presidents urge the EU and the UK to prioritise full UK association to Horizon Europe and to Erasmus+, so that the existing close collaborations in science, education and innovation can continue to flourish. This commitment is essential in order to ensure the participation of researchers and students in time for the next programming period that is due to start in 2021. They also welcome recent announcements by the UK government that it will encourage the flow of talent between the EU and the UK, as it is critical that research workers and students can continue to move freely between the EU and the UK.
The Guild’s Presidents support the joint call of science and higher education stakeholders across the UK and Europe for continued cooperation following the departure of the UK from the EU. Read the joint call of 40 stakeholders here.