Skip navigation

Universities for North East England (UNEE) response to the exclusion of Northern universities from the Global Talent Fund

7th August 2025

Universities for North East England (UNEE) have issued a response echoing the concerns of the Great North Mayors regarding the exclusion of northern universities from the UKRI Global Talent Fund

Professor Andy Long, Vice-Chancellor of Northumbria University and Chair, Universities for North East England (UNEE), said: “We share the disappointment expressed by the Mayors and appreciate their concern. 

 “We do not understand the rationale for overlooking the opportunity to bring global talent to the North, including North East England.   

 “The five North East universities have the capability to host and nurture global talent for the benefit of the UK. 

 “We collaborate on research that brings considerable benefits to the country and region - economically, socially and culturally. The impact of this decision is felt by us all.” 

Universities for North East England is the unified voice of higher education in North East England, advocating for evidence-based policy development, investment, and widening access and participation in higher education. It involves Durham, Newcastle, Northumbria, Sunderland and Teesside Universities. 

For more information about Universities for North East England, please visit our UNEE webpages or contact: info@unee.ac.uk

Place and Partnerships

Northumbria is proud to be at the heart of our city, woven into the rich culture and heritage of Newcastle and the North-East region.

News and Features

This is the place to find all the latest news releases, feature articles, expert comment, and video and audio clips from Northumbria University

Latest News and Features

Polar Medal John Woodward
Detecting and disclosing economic abuse. Illustration by Stacy Bias.
Green Gown Awards stage
Northumbria University.
Dr Patricia Canning Pask
Child working at a laptop with AI holograms
Elle Fox, Lyndsey Bengtsson and Arianne Graven at Citizens Advice, Gateshead
a group of five people pictured standing on a staircase
More events

Upcoming events

Collaborating for Capability: Shaping the Future of Supply Chain Talent
Viruses of Microbes-UK (VoM-UK) Conference 2026
-
Commercialising SHAPE Innovations and Impact
Back to top