In June 2002, the governing bodies of the universities in Aberdeen committed to exploring the case for merging to form a new model university. Intensive and wide-ranging discussions have since taken place.
These talks have been positive and productive, but whilst several important proposals for collaboration and partnerships have emerged, a compelling case for full institutional merger has not been established.
There is also a wider context to the discussions. The Government recently published the White Paper on the Future of Higher Education. Although it is unclear what its impact on Scotland might be, it creates sufficient uncertainty about the future direction of universities to make the context for merger problematic at this time.
Given these circumstances, we have agreed to report to our governing bodies that this is not the time to combine the two institutions.
The discussion of the relationship between the universities is continuing. We do not see this as an end, but the beginning of the process of defining our partnership. Examining ways to make the relationship as productive as possible will continue vigorously in the months to come. We are certain that the result will be the development of a series of extremely important collaborative enterprises.
Both universities are sensitive to the important role they discharge in the economic, social and cultural life of the north-east of Scotland and to the need to work effectively together in the interests of our community. Both are committed to excellence, jointly and separately, in all that we do.
We wish to acknowledge the valuable contributions of our colleagues and the support of the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council for the collaborative discussions.