Strengthening Scientific Ties
In a landmark development, the European Commission and the UK Government have successfully concluded negotiations, reaching an agreement in principle on the UK’s association with Horizon Europe and Copernicus under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement.
This achievement follows the earlier Windsor Framework agreement, marking a pivotal moment in the scientific and space collaboration between the EU and the UK.
Deepening Scientific Connections
The association with Horizon Europe is set to solidify and deepen the bonds between scientific communities in the UK and the EU. This collaboration promises to drive innovation and enable researchers from both regions to collaborate on global challenges ranging from climate issues to healthcare.
The UK Government and the European Commission are eager to foster cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including emerging technologies. To this end, the EU will assess the UK participants’ access to critical components of the Horizon Europe program on an equal footing with other associated nations.
Equal Opportunities for UK Researchers
Starting from the 2024 Work Programmes and onwards, UK researchers will enjoy full participation in the Horizon Europe program under the same terms as researchers from other associated countries. This inclusive approach extends to leading consortia, even including 2024 calls, which are set to open later this year.
As for calls from the 2023 Work Programmes, the European Commission will continue to administer transitional arrangements, and the UK will maintain its funding commitment under the UK Guarantee. These developments ensure long-term partnerships between UK and EU scientists and researchers.
Harnessing Copernicus for Environmental Insight
The UK’s association with Copernicus presents a unique opportunity to access cutting-edge Earth monitoring capabilities and services. This association comes at a critical juncture when Copernicus’ space infrastructure and information services are evolving to play a more significant role in addressing environmental and climate change-related challenges.
Collaborative Outreach
The European Commission and the UK Government will collaborate on joint outreach and engagement initiatives aimed at encouraging greater participation from UK entities in both programs.
Financial Arrangements
In line with the terms of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, the European Commission and the UK Government have also established appropriate financial arrangements for the Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027. These arrangements reflect the fact that UK researchers did not initially participate in Horizon Europe or Copernicus in 2021.
A New Era of Collaboration
This agreement in principle marks another significant step forward for the EU and the UK, showcasing their commitment to working together on matters of mutual interest. The European Commission and the UK Government are eager to leverage the opportunities offered by the Trade and Cooperation Agreement.
UK Scientists Embrace Horizon Europe and Copernicus Programs
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak heralded the news, stating that UK scientists can now confidently participate in the world’s largest research collaboration program, Horizon Europe. Sunak emphasized that the UK government had secured improved financial terms of association that are in the best interest of the UK and protect the taxpayer.
British scientists are encouraged to apply for grants and projects with newfound certainty. From September 7, UK researchers can actively apply for grants and take part in projects under the Horizon program, with the assurance of full participation until the program’s conclusion in 2027.
Shaping Collaborative Research
With the adoption of the necessary legal instruments, the UK will be able to join the governance of EU programs, opening the door to shaping collaboration in the coming years. UK researchers will also have the opportunity to lead consortia in the next work program of Horizon Europe projects.
Global Collaborations Beckon
Horizon Europe presents unparalleled opportunities for UK companies and research institutions to lead global endeavors in areas such as healthcare and artificial intelligence. This collaboration extends not only to the EU but also to partner countries like Norway, New Zealand, and Israel, with potential future inclusion of countries like Korea and Canada.
UK’s Fusion Energy Strategy
The UK has decided to pursue its own fusion energy strategy instead of associating with the EU’s Euratom program. This domestic strategy will involve close international collaboration, including with European partners. The UK government has allocated up to £650 million in funding until 2027 to support this initiative, ensuring that UK taxpayer funding benefits the nation.
A Bright Future for UK Science
In culmination, this groundbreaking deal is poised to create and support thousands of new jobs, ushering in the next generation of research talent. It aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision to elevate the UK’s status as a science and technology superpower by 2030.
Strong Commitment to Innovation
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed his enthusiasm for the agreement, emphasizing that innovation has been a cornerstone of UK prosperity. The deal enables UK scientists to participate confidently in Horizon Europe, fostering groundbreaking research across various domains.
Protecting Taxpayer Interests
The agreement incorporates financial protections for UK taxpayers, ensuring they won’t bear costs for UK researchers’ exclusion from 2021. Costs will commence from January 2024, providing room to bolster UK researchers’ participation in grant applications.
Securing UK’s Interests
The UK will have an automatic clawback mechanism in place, safeguarding the nation’s interests should UK scientists receive substantially less funding than their contribution to the program. This provision was not present in the original terms of association.
Scientific Community Celebrates Horizon Europe Association
Cancer Research UK Applauds the Agreement
Cancer Research UK’s Chief Executive, Michelle Mitchell, hailed the Horizon Europe association as overwhelmingly beneficial for cancer patients and scientists. The agreement ends the uncertainty that has clouded the research community for the past two and a half years. Horizon Europe’s association is pivotal for the future of cancer research, enabling the UK to rebuild its strong position in European research programs.
UKspace Welcomes Copernicus Association
Chair of the UKspace trade body, John Hanley, expressed his approval of the UK’s reassociation with the EU Copernicus and Horizon programs. The UK’s strong track record within Copernicus has resulted in valuable contracts, creating jobs and fostering growth across the country. The UKspace trade body is ready to collaborate with the government to leverage this agreement and enhance the UK’s role in the world’s largest Earth Observation program.
A Pivotal Moment for UK Science
Professor Paul Stewart, Vice President of the Academy of Medical Sciences, labeled the association with Horizon Europe as a pivotal moment for UK science. The commitment to Horizon Europe provides the momentum needed to support the UK’s ambitious goals for innovation and high-growth. Collaboration on health research and innovation to improve lives remains a cornerstone of this partnership.
Earth Observation Sector’s Triumph
Dr. Paul Bate, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency, celebrated the UK’s continued association with the EU Copernicus program, highlighting the significant benefits for the Earth observation sector. The agreement enables the UK to lead global efforts in monitoring the planet more effectively and finding solutions to pressing climate change challenges through satellite data.
UK Secures Enhanced Participation in Horizon Europe and Copernicus Programs
Unlocking Innovation Potential
The UK’s newfound association with Horizon Europe and Copernicus programs promises a brighter future for scientific collaboration. UK scientists and researchers are now poised to actively participate in global research endeavors, opening doors to innovation, economic growth, and international collaboration.
A Win-Win for UK Taxpayers
The agreement includes financial safeguards that protect UK taxpayers’ interests, ensuring that they do not bear costs for past exclusions. With enhanced terms of association, the UK can confidently navigate the world of international research and collaboration.
A Turning Point for UK Science
Today’s announcement signifies a turning point for UK science, dispelling the cloud of uncertainty that has lingered for the past few years. The UK’s participation in Horizon Europe and Copernicus will rejuvenate research initiatives, drive innovation, and foster global cooperation.
Charting the Path to Scientific Excellence
This agreement not only aligns with the UK’s ambitions for scientific leadership but also paves the way for collaboration with the EU and other international partners. By actively participating in these programs, the UK is poised to chart a path to scientific excellence in the years to come.
A Vision of Prosperity
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak shared his vision of prosperity founded on innovation. With a wealth of expertise and experience, the UK is well-positioned to actively engage in the world’s most extensive research collaboration program, Horizon Europe.
This agreement secures improved financial terms of association, designed to benefit UK scientists, provide value for money for taxpayers, and mitigate the impact of past delays on research participation rates.
A Crucial Step for UK Science
The Horizon program is set to play a pivotal role in boosting the UK economy, fostering job creation, and facilitating collaboration with global partners. The agreement opens doors to a wealth of opportunities in various fields, from addressing climate change to advancing medical research.
UK scientists are encouraged to apply with confidence, as the UK and the EU are committed to working together to enhance research participation. This historic agreement marks the beginning of a new era of collaboration that promises to shape the future of scientific research in the UK.
A Historic Achievement
The agreement between the European Commission and the UK Government represents a historic milestone, bringing the UK back into the fold of scientific collaboration through Horizon Europe and Copernicus programs.
This collaboration will strengthen the bonds between the UK and the EU’s scientific communities, fostering innovation and advancing research cooperation on a global scale.
A Bright Future for UK Research
UK researchers can now confidently participate in Horizon Europe, unlocking opportunities in a wide range of fields, from healthcare to artificial intelligence.
The deal secures enhanced financial terms for the UK’s participation, ensuring value for taxpayers and protecting the interests of UK researchers.
A Turning Point for UK Science
Today’s announcement marks the end of uncertainty and the beginning of a new era of research collaboration, positioning the UK as a key player on the global scientific stage.
With doors wide open for UK scientists, the UK and the EU are poised to embark on a journey of innovation, discovery, and cooperation, promising a brighter future for scientific research in the UK.
UK to Forge Stronger Scientific Alliances with EU
The UK’s association with Horizon Europe and Copernicus signifies a commitment to global scientific collaboration and innovation.
This agreement empowers UK researchers to participate fully in Horizon Europe, securing their place in groundbreaking research projects.
A Win-Win Deal
The agreement not only serves the interests of UK scientists but also offers enhanced financial safeguards for UK taxpayers. The UK’s reintegration into Horizon Europe and Copernicus programs promises to reshape the landscape of scientific discovery, opening doors to new research opportunities and international partnerships.
Sources: THX News & Prime Minister’s Office, 10 Downing Street.
