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Scientists hopeful of Horizon Europe association following the Windsor Framework

Scientists remain hopeful that the UK’s reassociation with Horizon Europe may now be achieved following the Northern Ireland ‘Windsor Framework’ deal and a warming of UK-EU relations. For over two years, talks have been put on hold due to Brexit trade deal negotiations and UK scientists barely benefitted from the £88.8bn programme. This has already impacted UK scientists’ ability to…
Ben Kemp
March 3, 2023
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UK prepared to snub Horizon Europe in favour of US, Swiss & Japanese research alliance

Michelle Donelan, the new Secretary of State for Science, Technology and Innovation has stated that the Government is prepared to abandon attempts to reassociate with Horizon Europe following Brexit in favour of creating a bespoke alliance with the United States, Japan and Switzerland. In her Telegraph article, the Secretary of State acknowledged the inconvenience to the science sector owing to…
Ben Kemp
February 16, 2023
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UK Science Minister outlines Government’s ‘global science strategy’

George Freeman, the Minister of State for Science, Research and Innovation, outlined the Government’s ‘global science strategy’ in a speech to the Onward think tank. In a familiar refrain, Mr Freeman detailed what it means to be a ‘science superpower’ but also spoke about how this is complemented by the UK being an ‘innovation nation’. Mr Freeman once again spoke…
Natalie Creaney
January 20, 2023
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Horizon Europe Guarantee Extension Funding

The UK government has announced a new scheme that guarantees funding for successful applicants to the third wave of Horizon Europe grant awards regardless of the outcome of the UK’s efforts to associate to Horizon Europe. The guarantee is a short-term measure intended to address the delays in formalising the UK’s association to Horizon Europe. To provide reassurance, the Government…
Natalie Creaney
December 2, 2022
Membership NewsMembership News Archive

Horizon Europe Guarantee Extension Funding

The UK government has announced a new scheme that guarantees funding for successful applicants to the third wave of Horizon Europe grant awards regardless of the outcome of the UK’s efforts to associate to Horizon Europe. The guarantee is a short-term measure intended to address the delays in formalising the UK’s association to Horizon Europe. To provide reassurance, the Government…
Natalie Creaney
December 2, 2022
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Government commits £484 million for UK research to cover Horizon Europe shortfall

The Business Secretary, Grant Shapps, announced a targeted investment of £484 million to support UK research following the UK’s continued stalemate with the EU over accession to Horizon Europe. These investments will provide targeted support for staff retention and local talent strategies at eligible universities and research organisations, as well as making sure the UK labs remain world class and…
Natalie Creaney
November 25, 2022
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Government seeks consultations with EU on science programmes as dispute escalates

The Government has officially begun formal consultations with the EU, with the intention of finalising the UK’s entry into EU science and research programmes, namely Horizon Europe, Euratom and Copernicus. The UK has been left infuriated by the EU’s refusal to sign off their access, caused by ongoing disputes over the Northern Ireland Protocol, and this move signals a clear…
Natalie Creaney
August 19, 2022
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The Government’s alternative R&D plans if unable to associate with Horizon Europe

The Government regrets that the UK’s association to Horizon Europe has not yet been formalised as a result of disagreements related to the NI Protocol and recognises the huge toll that this has placed on the UK’s research and business community. To mitigate the impact of the uncertainty, the Government developed the Horizon Europe guarantee in November 2021 – which…
Natalie Creaney
August 5, 2022
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UK prepared to walk away from Horizon Europe and set up alternative fund

Despite warnings from leading scientists, the Government have stated that they are willing to walk away from Horizon Europe and establish an alternative fund. Discussions about access to Horizon Europe have been ongoing since Brexit, however recent developments surrounding the NI Protocol have soured UK-EU relations, potentially collapsing negotiations entirely. A new Northern Ireland bill, expected to be announced this…
Natalie Creaney
June 10, 2022