Science, engineering and technology are the areas that
would suffer most from a university Brexit brain drain,
suggests new
figures released today (Thursday).
The data, from the Higher Education Statistics Agency
(HESA), shows that almost a quarter of academics (23%) in
biological, mathematical and physical sciences in UK universities
are from the EU. One in five (19%) academics in engineering and
technology are from the EU, and overall EU staff account for 17%
of total academic staff in UK universities.
The University and College Union (UCU) said the government
had to guarantee EU nationals the right to remain in Britain to
halt a brain drain in these key subjects and bring stability to
staff, their families and universities.
The new figures come on the back of recent YouGov
polling that warned 76% of non-UK EU
academics were more likely to consider leaving UK higher
education following the Brexit vote and a BMA report today that
warns that 42% of EEA doctors are
considering quitting the UK.
UCU general secretary, Sally Hunt, said: ‘These figures
demonstrate once again the important role that EU and
international staff play in our universities. The Prime Minister
must take the lead and guarantee EU nationals the right to stay
in the country, and remove the uncertainty so many talented
staff, their families and our universities face.
‘We are already hearing stories about academics considering
leaving the country and these figures demonstrate how a brain
drain would hit key areas, such as engineering, technology and
biological, mathematical and physical sciences, the
hardest.
‘Higher education is international in its nature and our
universities are one of the UK’s great success stories. Staff and
students who have contributed to the UK’s success deserve better
than to be used as pawns in negotiations about the UK’s
future.’
