UK readmitted to Horizon Europe

UK researchers will now be able to apply for grants and join projects under Horizon with the UK agreeing to be a fully associated member for the remaining life of the programme to 2027.

The UK had been excluded from Horizon for the past three years as a result of the Brexit deal agreed with the EU.

Once adopted into Horizon, the UK will be able to shape collaboration taking place next year and lead on consortia in the next work programme and join non-EU member countries such as Norway, New Zealand and Israel.

The deal will see costs for the UK starting from January 2024, with an agreement that will see the UK compensated if UK scientists receive less money than the country invests into Horizon.

The UK will also join Copernicus, the European earth observation programme, but will opt against joining the EU’s fusion programme Euratom in favour of a domestic strategy.

UK prime minister Rishi Sunak said: “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 – Horizon Europe.

“We have worked with our EU partners to make sure that this is right deal for the UK, unlocking unparalleled research opportunities, and also the right deal for British taxpayers.”

UKRI chief executive Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser said: “The UK has a long track record of mutually beneficial participation in previous EU schemes and this decision enables us to build on those highly successful collaborations to maximise the opportunities membership of Horizon Europe provides.

“UKRI is looking forward to working with our communities and partners to capture the many benefits of Horizon Europe for researchers and businesses.”

A statement from the Academy of Medical Sciences, the British Academy, the Royal Academy of Engineering and the Royal Society added: “The Horizon programme is a beacon of international collaboration and UK-based academic and industrial researchers will now be back at the heart of that.

“Research is vital to tackling the key problems we face, from global challenges such as climate change to driving productivity growth and creating new jobs locally. Our involvement in Horizon Europe will make the UK stronger and is a big win for global research and innovation.”