UK scientists will have access to the world’s largest research collaboration programme, Horizon Europe, after the government negotiated to rejoin the leading group two years after leaving it due to Brexit.
From 7 September, researchers can apply for grants and bid to take part in projects under the Horizon programme,.
The UK will be participating as a fully associated member for the remaining life of the programme to 2027.
The UK will also associate to Copernicus, the European Earth Observation programme.
This will provide the UK’s earth observation sector with access to unique data – valuable to helping with early flood and fire warnings, for example – and with the ability to bid for contracts, which they haven’t been able to access for three years.
‘Welcome boost to scientific and industrial collaboration’
ADS Chief Executive, Kevin Craven said: “ADS warmly welcomes the announcement today that the UK has finalised a deal with the EU on rejoining Horizon Europe, the EU R&D programme.
“We have been consistently clear that the scheme will help drive the innovation and collaboration needed to develop the next generation of technologies to address a wide range of societal challenges.
“The UK aerospace, defence, security, and space sectors had been leading participants and recipients of funding in its predecessor, and this will provide a welcome boost to scientific and industrial collaboration in our sectors.
“We also welcome the news that the UK will rejoin Copernicus, the EU earth observation scheme, which the UK’s rapidly growing space sector can play a leading role in supporting.”
John Harrison, chairman of Airbus UK, said: “It is great news that the UK will be rejoining Horizon Europe, which is a key funding programme for research and innovation, as well as the Copernicus programme.
“Having provided many of Copernicus’ critical technologies from the UK, as well as designing and building the Sentinel 5P satellite in Stevenage, we look forward to contributing to future Copernicus Earth observation missions which play such a key role in understanding and tackling the planet’s changing climate.”
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