2015 saw Commission President Jean-Claude Junker ranked at number 7, thanks to the EU’s considerable power and influence over UK higher education. However, this year, Junker is replaced by his fellow Commissioner Carlos Moedas. Moedas, will have considerable influence over the finer points of higher education policy during Brexit, and the sector will need to make considerable representations to him in order to get a good post-Brexit deal with the European research community.
By all accounts, Carlos Moedas has already been in close communication with Jo Johnson about the ongoing status of Horizon 2020 projects, and although he’s offered some reassurance, little action has been taken so far. During the Brexit negotiations, the numerous important issues impacting UK universities and science will be crossing his desk and many will be pinning hopes on his ability to navigate a fair settlement for the sector.