Julian meets with University Vice-Chancellor
March 10, 2017
Julian met with Professor Koen Lamberts, Vice-Chancellor at the University of York to discuss opportunities and challenges facing the institution as Britain begins the process of withdrawing from the European Union.
Julian is determined to ensure that higher education policy is a top priority for the Government during its renegotiation with the EU. As part of ongoing communication between the Vice-Chancellor’s Office, the pair discussed a number of issues facing the Heslington-based university ranging from student applications, staff recruitment, and research funding with Professor Lamberts in Westminster.
Discussing Horizon 2020, an EU Research and Innovation programme, it was clear that Europe-wide collaboration is a crucial matter for university leaders and commitments from the Treasury to underwrite funding, although welcome, does not address concerns relating to partnerships and well-established links that have been fostered between domestic and Continental universities.
Speaking after the meeting, Julian said:
“Ensuring that the University of York remains able to attract and retain the most talented students and staff from the European Union is a crucial part of securing a Global Britain. Leaving the EU undoubtedly poses a number of challenges for our universities but there are a great number of opportunities also.
Not every Member of Parliament has a world-class university in their constituency but for those of us who do, it is vital that we get a clear understanding of how best we can represent the sector to ensure they are able to play an active part in shaping the future of higher education in Britain.
Last September, Julian took the opportunity to raise university funding beyond 2020 at Prime Minister’s Questions. In her response, Mrs May acknowledged Britain’s “great record” on higher education and committed to building on success in the future.
