Northern Ireland’s brightest scientific minds are gathering in Lisburn today as part of an ambitious drive to secure a larger slice of the world’s biggest research funding programme.
The roadshow, bringing together researchers, scientists, and innovative businesses, aims to demystify the application process for Horizon Europe – a mammoth £80 billion research collaboration initiative.
Past Success Stories
The region has already demonstrated its research prowess, with previous projects securing over £81 million through Horizon 2020, the programme’s predecessor.
One standout example is the EYE-RISK project at Queen’s University Belfast, which made significant strides in understanding Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD).
Statistics from Northern Ireland’s research sector:
- £81 million secured through previous Horizon programme
- £4.5 million currently supporting net zero research at Queen’s University
- 180+ new tech jobs created through recent ASOS investment
- 4 UK universities ranked in global top 10
Current Opportunities
Research funding potential:
Sector |
Sectors |
Status |
|---|---|---|
| Health | Eye disease, NHS transformation | Active |
| Energy | Net zero solutions, sustainability | Active |
| Digital | Cybersecurity, infrastructure | Active |
| Transport | Future systems, innovation | Active |
Lord Vallance, UK Science Minister, emphasized the economic implications:
“With more successful bids for Horizon funding, researchers from the public and private sector in Northern Ireland could come up with the solutions we need to kickstart economic growth and improve living standards.”
How to Apply
Interested researchers and businesses can access practical support through Innovate UK’s website and regular UKRI events. Applications are submitted through the European Commission’s funding and tenders portal.
For more information and updates on Horizon Europe opportunities.
Sources: THX News, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, Innovate UK, Northern Ireland Executive & Lord Vallance.
