Universities are a bridge across Europe

After Brexit, the UK must keep the closest possible relations with the EU on education and research

Looking around the situation in Europe can be an uncomfortable experience for those who believe in inclusive, open and progressive societies. The rise of populism in many capitals and a growing disregard for evidence-based policymaking is worrying, particularly for those of us working in universities with a mission to advance our collective knowledge base and to work collaboratively to meet the problems our societies face. No part of Europe is immune. We have seen discontent in France, Italy, and even in countries which in the past 30 to 40 years have been more stable politically, like Germany and the UK.

There is no doubt that the long economic crisis has played a role in creating widespread dissatisfaction and social conflict. The question now is: how will we succeed in reproducing economic growth in our countries and how do we face the challenges that the other great powers are putting squarely before us? And how will universities contribute to building new leadership in business, in public administration, in science and culture?

There can only be one answer: universities must serve as a bridge between the various cultures. They must offer up their vast experience for the common good, steer democratic debate towards the most salient questions of this seminal moment, provide leadership that responds to the challenges that come with the new models created by the digital economy, and fight tooth and nail against scepticism towards the values of knowledge and learning.

Universities in the UK, in Italy, and across the continent are bastions of excellence, internationalism and multiculturalism. They act not just as anchor institutions in our communities but as platforms to help create more solid relationships across borders and to strengthen shared European values, with thousands of students and alumni offering a level of soft power rarely seen in other organisations.

At the University of Glasgow, we have played our part in the discovery of gravitational waves, the fight against Zika and in pioneering the field of precision medicine, which promises a genuine revolution in healthcare. At LUISS in Italy, challenging new programmes based on internationalisation, interdisciplinarity and innovation have led to the creation of courses in cybersecurity, the digital economy, innovation and regulation. They are designed to create new professional spheres that respond to a world in which relations among nations serve as an accelerator of knowledge and growth.

And similar innovations with world-changing results are happening at institutions right across Europe. But they rarely happen in isolation – they require the best and brightest from across our continent to be able to work together as part of pan-european networks or to cross borders to work with the leading teams in their fields.

It is vital for the future of the university sector that Europe continues to forge a collaborative approach to research and study. For instance, if the UK leaves the EU, it is important that it seeks full association in the Horizon Europe and Erasmus+ programmes and takes steps to ensure read More at telegraph.co.uk/ opinion the continued flow of students and researchers to and from the rest of Europe. We have to ensure the closest possible relationship with the EU on research and innovation. Europe has the potential to keep pace with knowledge superpowers such as China and the USA, but only if it continues to allow our best talent to work together.

The scale of the collective challenges facing us in the 21st century, ranging from inequality to climate change to healthy ageing, is too great for any country to go it alone. We will only succeed by meeting these challenges head-on with a common resolve. To attempt to do otherwise is an admission of defeat before having even begun, and a complete abdication of responsibility, for which future generations will never forgive us.

Our mission as universities is clear. To use our influence and expertise to ensure the great, European promise is fulfilled, regardless of the political circumstances in our home countries and in the EU. The future of Europe may just depend on it.