News in brief: UK scientists are excited to rejoin the EU’s Horizon Europe research program, which will boost research collaboration and innovation, enabling them to work on cutting-edge projects and ensuring the UK’s presence in global scientific discovery.
Scientists in the United Kingdom scientists have expressed excitement over news that they can rejoin the European Union’s (EU) Horizon Europe research collaboration program.
Horizon Europe is the world’s largest multilateral research collaboration programme which funds research in areas such as agricultural science, climate change, and improving food security. It brings together scientists and companies from more than 40 countries.
The return of the UK to Horizon Europe is a significant boost for its research and innovation. It will allow scientists to collaborate with their European counterparts on cutting-edge research projects. It will also help to ensure that the UK remains at the forefront of scientific discovery.
“Joining the world’s largest research network will support breakthroughs in health, energy & productivity that will create jobs, boost the economy, & improve everyone’s quality of life,” Michelle Donelan, UK’s Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, said.
This is a fantastic day for UK science. We have reached an agreement with the EU on a bespoke deal on Horizon, that works for UK scientists and for our taxpayers.
Where better to tell you all about it than from the iconic @sciencemuseum ð pic.twitter.com/Bb18i0281g
— Michelle Donelan MP (@michelledonelan) September 7, 2023
The UK’s continued membership in the programme was part of the post-Brexit trade deal in 2020. However, the country was blocked from taking it up over a long-running dispute concerning the Northern Ireland trading arrangements.
Thus, the government had to negotiate a new deal, which has been in discussion over the last six months, according to a report. The new agreement gives UK research institutions the opportunity to pioneer work in developing new agricultural research projects and technologies.
Professor Mark Horton, vice-chancellor of the Royal Agricultural University (RAU), welcomed the news of the UK’s return to Horizon Europe. He said that the university had several Horizon Europe projects on animal welfare and farmer participation, which made the news a good one as they can now commence application for grants to fund them.
In addition, he said in the light of current global climate and ecological concerns, the university had experts who are keen on being able to expand their research with their European colleagues.
UK researchers will be able to apply for grants and bid to take part in projects under Horizon Europe. This is expected to run till its expiry in 2027, with the UKâs assured participation.
