Institutions from 22 countries demand clarification on whether and how the UK will be able to participate in future EU research projects.

Leaders of universities from the 22 European countries have warned that uncertainty about the UK’s future involvement in European programmes after 2019 is causing problems, and demand speedier progress in Brexit talks.

In a joint statement from representative organisations of universities and national rectors’ conferences, they have called for more urgency on Brexit negotiations, with less than a year and a half until the UK leaves.

The group also seeks “clarification” on arrangements for UK-based researchers in Horizon 2020 and the Erasmus+ student exchange programme after March 2019.

Janet Beer, president of Universities UK and vice-chancellor of the University of Liverpool, said: “We are now entering a period in which universities need to be finalising their research, collaboration and student exchange programmes for 2019. There is an urgent need for clarity on the UK’s participation in Horizon 2020 beyond Brexit.”

Research is due to be discussed in the second phase of negotiations. The UK government has said it is willing to pay to access future EU research programmes.

Students arriving on campus this autumn and planning a period abroad as part of their studies need clarity on whether they can participate in the EU’s Erasmus+ programme from 2019 onwards, the statement says.

The UK Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy also issued a statement reiterating that the UK has pledged to pay British grantees directly after March 2019, so that Brexit does not interrupt their projects.

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