The UK government has officially announced its re-entry into the European Union’s leading scientific research scheme, Horizon.
The UK government has officially announced its re-entry into the European Union’s leading scientific research scheme, Horizon. As of today, scientists and institutions based in the UK can apply for funding from the substantial £81 billion (€95 billion) allocation.
The decision to join research scheme, Horizon as an associate member was initially established in the Brexit trade agreement, which formalized the UK’s departure from the EU in 2020. However, due to disagreements surrounding the Northern Ireland Protocol, the UK had been excluded from the program for the past three years.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak emphasized the profound impact of this collaboration on the scientific community, stating, “With a wealth of expertise and experience to bring to the global stage, we have delivered a deal that enables UK scientists to confidently take part in the world’s largest research collaboration programme.”
Thursday’s announcement also outlined the UK’s association with Copernicus, the EU’s £8 billion (€9 billion) Earth observation initiative. Nevertheless, the UK will not be rejoining the nuclear research alliance Euratom R&D, though there will be cooperation in the specific domain of nuclear fusion.
The European Commission welcomed the decision, underlining the mutual benefits of this renewed collaboration. It is estimated that the UK will contribute an annual average of almost €2.6 billion (£2.2 billion) to both Horizon and Copernicus.
Leaders in the scientific and academic community have expressed enthusiasm for this development. Vivienne Stern, Chief Executive of Universities UK, commended the decision, anticipating an immense positive impact on scientists’ ability to engage in cross-border research endeavors.
Nobel Laureate Sir Paul Nurse, a prominent advocate for rejoining Horizon, expressed his satisfaction, emphasizing the importance of continued partnerships with EU scientists in advancing global scientific efforts.
The UK’s association with Horizon was initially agreed upon in the Brexit Trade and Co-operation Agreement (TCA). However, its implementation was hindered by disputes related to the Northern Ireland Protocol. The Windsor Framework, established in February between Brussels and London, played a pivotal role in resolving these issues and facilitating the re-entry process.
While financial arrangements have not been fully disclosed, the UK will make monetary contributions consistent with its economic size relative to the EU-27 bloc. Performance provisions will be in place to ensure equitable distribution of grants to UK scientists.
The delay in rejoining Horizon resulted in a decrease in applications from UK scientists for European projects, which were previously supported by UK government funding. This impasse also led some EU nationals working in the UK to relocate their research efforts.
The new agreement is anticipated to reinvigorate the scientific sector, encouraging UK researchers to regain their prominence in European science. However, Sue Ferns from Prospect, a union representing workers in the research sector, highlighted the need for sustained investment to address lost time.
The Copernicus association positions UK scientists at the forefront of climate research, enabling the UK’s aerospace industry to compete for lucrative satellite contracts. The UK’s decision not to pursue Euratom R&D was influenced by concerns about its cost-effectiveness.
Instead, the UK will establish its own program focusing on nuclear fusion, backed by £650 million up until 2027. This initiative aligns with the UK’s status as the host of Europe’s leading fusion laboratory, the Joint European Torus (Jet) in Oxfordshire.
While the UK’s re-entry into Horizon marks a significant step towards global scientific collaboration, it does not alter the existing restrictions and visa requirements for foreign scientists conducting research in the UK or vice versa.