As the UK votes to leave the European Union, Imperial's President and Provost have underlined the College's European and global links.

In a message to Imperial's student and staff community, President Alice Gast and Provost James Stirling said: 

"Imperial is, and will remain, a European university, whatever your view of the referendum outcome. We are very proud of the innovations, ideas and inspiration that come from the European members of Imperial's global community. 

"We are determined that political changes will not hold Imperial back from delivering excellence in research and education for the benefit of global society. We will vigorously defend our international values if they are threatened and will continue to think and act internationally. 

"Our European students, staff and partners are crucial to the current and future success of this great university, and we look forward to continued strong ties with Europe and the world over the coming years. 

"We are urgently seeking clarification from the government on the visa and fee status of non-UK European Union students, as well as other key policy areas for the College as the UK negotiates its future relationship with Europe. 

"We will update the community, and especially those who may be affected, as we learn more." 

Over the last decade, Imperial academics have produced more than 60,000 research papers in collaboration with peers from other European countries.

Imperial's European collaborations include continent-wide projects to tackle meningitis and HIV, efforts to remove mobile phone roaming charges within the EU, and the development of next generation electronics. 

Update: Imperial will publish updates on policy issues related to the EU referendum at //www.imperial.ac.uk/about/leadership-and-strategy/eu-referendum/.