Academics could lose hundreds of millions of pounds in European Union (EU) research funding if the UK crashes out of the bloc without a deal, Universities UK (UUK) has said.

Those who applied for the latest round of grants from the European Research Council (ERC) will find out if they were successful on 8 April.

But it remains unclear what happens to the money in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

According to UUK, the government has not said what future system will replace the current stream of EU funding.

“Researchers at UK universities doing life-changing work remain in the dark over what will happen to their current ERC applications or where they will go in future for funding, if there is no deal,” Janet Beer, president of UUK, said.

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“Without clarity very soon, vital research could be disrupted which would be hugely damaging to people’s lives. The UK also risks losing some of our brightest minds to other countries, if they don’t know how their research will be progressed.”

The UK was the most successful country in the ERC’s last round of advanced grant awards, with 66 of its researchers given up to 2.5m euros each, a total of 155m euros (£133m) in funding.

UUK, which represents 136 universities across Britain, argues that a no-deal Brexit could leave vital research in limbo.

The group is calling on the government to immediately clarify the situation.

“The UK could be about to lose some of its competitive edge on science and research,” said Joanna Burton, a senior policy analyst at the Russell Group.

“A no-deal Brexit could mean our access to the European Research Council grants and Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions will end with immediate effect.

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“We need the government to set out contingency measures, ready for immediate implementation, so that research funding and collaboration opportunities do not face a damaging cliff-edge.”

A government spokesperson said: “Science recognises no borders and the UK has a proud record of welcoming the world’s leading scientists and researchers to work and study here.

“This will not change when we leave the EU.

“Through our modern industrial strategy we are investing a record level in research and development and we are committed to seeking an ambitious future relationship on science and innovation with our EU partners.”