UCLan’s vice-chancellor, right, took part in an EU Referendum debate making the case to Remain

The leader of Preston’s university says ‘key funding streams’ could be in jeopardy following the EU Referendum.

University of Central Lancashire vice-chancellor Professor Mike Thomas has written to all students and staff outlining his view on the decision to leave the EU.

He says funding for research and student mobility could both be hit.

In an open letter he says UCLan is committed to working with Europe and is joining with other universities to lobby the government for how it plans to ensure ‘sustainable funding for higher education now and in the future’.

Prof Thomas writes: “The result jeopardises some key funding streams – research funding and student mobility funding. It is important that those are either strongly defended, or that alternative streams are found. I am a passionate believer that Britain remains globally competitive in the knowledge economy and at the forefront of scientific discovery.

“Our first priority will be to convince the UK Government to take steps to ensure that staff and students from EU countries can continue to work and study at British universities and to promote the UK as a welcoming destination for the brightest and best minds.

“EU and international students make a powerful contribution to university research and teaching and have a positive impact on the British economy and society. We will also prioritise securing opportunities for our researchers and students to access vital pan-European programmes and build new global networks.”

He goes on to say the university is in a very stable position with its finances and has no plans to raise fees for European students.

Related: Major new engineering building for Preston campus gains approval

The university is one of Preston’s biggest employers and has begun a £200m masterplan for the city campus, with new buildings around the Adelphi roundabout.

Adelphi Square would replace the Adelphi roundabout

Preston voted to leave the European Union, with 53.27% of voters wanting to leave the EU – slightly above the national result of 51.9% voting to leave.

What do you make of the vice-chancellor’s comments? Do you work at the university or study there? Let us know your views in the comments below