Edinburgh University is thought to be the first higher education institution in Scotland to publicly back staying in the European Union (EU) in the run-up to June's referendum.
In a joint open letter, university principal Professor Sir Timothy O'Shea and Jonny Ross-Tatam, president of the student association, argued the UK's place in the EU brings "many benefits" to the university.
They wrote the letter because they say they "are committed to raising awareness of the debate, and the issues at stake, among our 50,000 staff and students".
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Some of the main benefits cited in the letter include the estimated £45 million the university receives in research funding from the EU, which it argued helps promote innovation in areas such as medicine and sustainable energy.
In addition, they emphasise about 1,100 students last year received funding from the EU's Erasmus + programme, which allows students from the UK to study and volunteer across Europe.
The programme is described by the letter's authors as a "life-changing experience" which can provide a "unique opportunity to further their personal development."
The letter also defends the "truly diverse" contribution of the estimated 4,500 non-UK EU students who receive funding through the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to study at Edinburgh.
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The authors stress the precise impact of a leave vote on these benefits is uncertain but that maintaining current conditions would require "very favourable" results from the "uncertain" re-negotiation process.
They continued: "We sincerely hope that our university, researchers and students continue to be supported by the EU, regardless of the result."
A spokesman for the Scotland Stronger in Europe campaign said: "This is a very welcome intervention in the referendum debate, confirming that the facts support staying in the European Union.
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"The academic research funding and collaboration supported by the EU, and freedom of movement and study across Europe, is good for the Scottish economy and good for young people."
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