Academics still waiting for clarity over Brexit deal

Universities and companies in the UK and EU were anxiously awaiting political developments around Brexit as Research Europe went to press.

On 14 November, negotiators reached an agreement on the UK’s withdrawal from the EU. Although long-term relations between the UK and EU remain to be agreed, this deal would give Britain’s researchers, entrepreneurs and students access to EU programmes until the end of 2020. This transition period is seen by many as a crucial bridge between the UK’s departure on 29 March 2019 and the formal start of the future arrangement.

University representatives said their institutions would continue to prepare for all eventualities. Kurt Deketelaere, secretary-general of the League of European Research Universities, said that if he were a rector he would be very worried. “If you’re responsible for thousands of students and staff you have to be prepared, and these are very uncertain times,” he said.