The number of Scottish Universities in the world’s top 100 would fall from three to one in the event of independence, St Andrews University’s deputy principal has claimed.
However, Professor Chris Hawkesworth added there are “concerns that without additional funding even the Russell Group universities will slip down world rankings” under the current system.
The intervention came just hours after First Minister Alex Salmond praised Scotland’s universities as he welcomed delegates to the SNP conference in Perth.
Professor Hawkesworth said: “At present the debate over independence is a cause for uncertainty. It is difficult to evaluate how funding structures and opportunities will operate, whatever the outcome of the referendum.
“This makes people wary of committing themselves to academic jobs in Scotland and there is some evidence it is inhibiting investment.”
He added: “The implication is that with time, an independent Scotland would have one, rather than three universities in the top 100.
“The concern is that the worst reasonable case is likely to significantly disadvantage researchers in Scotland.”
A spokesperson for Education Secretary Michael Russell said: “The reality is that this Scottish Government is protecting and defending our universities’ world-leading position with record funding.
“We are also ensuring Scots students can study based on their ability to learn, not their ability to pay. All of that would be put at risk by a No vote, which would see Westminster drastically slash Scotland’s funding.
“Our universities attract funding and international talent based on their first-class reputation and that will remain the case in an independent Scotland, where they will continue to attract the brightest and the best.”