You will all by now be aware the people of the United Kingdom have voted to leave the European Union. This is undoubtedly an unprecedented moment for us all.

While we begin to take this news in, I am sure you are wondering what it will mean for us personally and professionally. The answer is that nothing will change immediately.

In the run up to this Referendum, we began work on risk assessment and mitigation plans should the UK decide to leave the EU. Now the result is known we will intensify our efforts to ensure we prepare ourselves fully for the future. Change will not happen overnight and is likely to take some time. Considering Higher Education specifically, there will be uncertainty ahead, but also opportunity. We will work with our colleagues, sector bodies and partners to seek assurances from the Government on its support for Higher Education and ensure we are well placed to both identify and address the opportunities this new world will offer.

We value our highly diverse staff and student body at Nottingham, and what that does for our community. Unless the UK Government decides to take unilateral action, this vote does not mean there will be any immediate material change to the UK’s participation in EU programmes such as Horizon 2020 and Erasmus+, nor to the immigration status of current and prospective EU students and staff.

For more information, please see:

• Frequently asked questions for students
• Frequently asked questions for staff

We will be updating our dedicated EU Referendum page as more detail emerges over the coming days and weeks.

Professor Sir David Greenaway, Vice-Chancellor