Stay or go has been the dilemma British citizens face the Brexit issue. Recently, a top educator said that it will be very damaging to every fiber of the nation and to education; thus, a lot of discussions should be made about it before the final decision.
Rebecca Taylor, academic vice-president of the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD), said that a lot of students around the world regard UK business schools in high esteem making the UK one of their top choices for higher education. This creates a symbiotic relationship because it benefits both parties.
Taylor's sentiments are shared by others in Britain's education industry. In fact, universities express their strong support for the "Stop Brexit" campaign.
For Michael Arthur, president and provost of University College London or UCL, Brexit can impede research and emphasized how collaboration plays an important role in finding better solutions. In an interview with The Guardian, he said that the "UK does not have a monopoly on brilliance" and collaboration in research has double the impact than when done alone.
"Our ability to attract the best researchers and academics from across the EU is vital to the success of UK universities. The University of Aberdeen is privileged to work with colleagues from across Europe, both here in Scotland and as part of cross-border teams," echoed Ian Diamond, vice chancellor of the University of Aberdeen.
Aside from research, Brexit can also cause a huge damage to the financial situation of the education industry. A report revealed that in 2012 and 2013 alone, 5.5 percent of students in the UK consist of students from the EU generating £3.7 billion and 34,000 jobs around the country.
For former British commissioner Chris Patten, Brexit can cause a great number of British academics to migrate to other countries for greener pastures and deter academics from other countries to join British universities.
