The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Bid to protect Scottish varsity funding
Universities: SNP voices post-Brexit fears of loss
The SNP is calling on the UK Government to ensure higher education in Scotland does not lose out on funding post-Brexit.
MSP Jenny Gilruth cited figures demonstrating the importance of Horizon 2020 to universities north of the border. The scheme is the biggest ever EU research and innovation programme, with nearly 80billion euros of funding available over seven years up to 2020.
According to the SNP, the university court of Aberdeen University had received more than nine million euros for 26 projects as of May. The Robert Gordon University had benefited from just over nine thousand euros for two projects.
The UK Government has guaranteed to underwrite funding for Horizon 2020 projects approved before the official departure from the EU, even if they run beyond this date.
But Ms Gilruth, MSP for Mid Fife and Glenrothes, said there was no ongoing commitment to make up for the loss in funding universities could suffer after Brexit.
She said: “Our universities could lose out on millions of pounds in funding after Brexit.”
A source at the Treasury said the guarantee outlined by Chancellor Philip Hammond earlier this month covered projects – signed before Brexit – which continue beyond this date.
Business and Energy Secretary Greg Clark said: “By underwriting the significant Horizon 2020 grants, we are showing the extent of our commitment, standing squarely behind our researchers and scientists as they continue working with their European partners.”
Scottish Labour education spokesman Iain Gray said: “Ruth Davidson should encourage her Tory colleagues to tell us how they are going to secure the future of our higher education institutions, and quickly.”