The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Concerns over future of EU-funded positions
Almost 200 jobs in Dundee face Brexit uncertainty
Concerns have been raised as it emerged scores of jobs at Dundee’s universities are directly tied to EU funding.
An investigation by The Courier has revealed 175 jobs are fully or partially supported by European Union grants.
The city also receives millions of pounds in support for studies at Dundee University, including 23 PhD students who work to develop new drugs tackling cancer and alzheimer’s.
A total of 100 staff members at Dundee University, including the Marie Curie Fellowship PhDs, are fully reliant on cash from Brussels.
A further 75 positions are partially supported by EU funding.
Councillor Fraser Macpherson, whose ward includes Dundee University, said it was vital both the UK and Scottish Governments worked together to commit to continued funding after Brexit.
He added: “Assurances need to be given, particularly by Westminster but also, where appropriate, the Scottish Government.”
Abertay University currently employs two staff members fully funded by the EU, with one other partially funded.
However, it is understood their roles are directly tied to specific projects which will run their course regardless of Brexit.
No Abertay PhD positions receive cash from the European coffers.
The university data was obtained by The Courier under Freedom of Information legislation.
The UK Government’s white paper on Brexit says the Treasury will underwrite the payment of EU awards for science research even when specific projects continue beyond the date of the UK’s departure from the bloc.
Chancellor Philip Hammond has previously suggested the process could take up to six years to leave the EU as the terms would have to be agreed by 27 national parliaments.
As previously reported in The Courier, around 10% of Dundee University’s research income is provided by Brussels, totalling £8.4 million in 2015-16, with a further £4m in 2016-17 so far.
In comparison, Abertay has received £170,000 so far this year, up from £3,000 in 2015-16.
A spokesperson for Dundee University said: “Obviously it is a changing landscape at present but the future may be one where there will be new opportunities for highly-rated research universities such as ourselves.
“We will continue to monitor how changes to Britain’s relationship with Europe may affect staff and students.”
A spokesman for Abertay University added: “We can confirm that three research positions are tied to fixedterms contracts relating to a £170,000 EU funding grant.
“The university’s research position does not depend on EU funding.”