UK to rejoin EU’s Horizon research programme

By Stephen Emerson

7 September 2023

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The UK has confirmed that it has rejoined EU’s Horizon research programme.

Rishi Sunak, UK prime minister, confirmed on Thursday that Britain will take up its delayed associate membership of the €95.5bn Horizon programme.

Horizon is the world’s largest multilateral research programme, bringing together companies and scientists from more than 40 countries exploring areas from climate change to cancer and artificial intelligence.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: "Innovation has long been the foundation for prosperity in the UK, from the breakthroughs improving healthcare to the technological advances growing our economy.

"With a wealth of expertise and experience to bring to the global stage, we have delivered a deal that enables UK scientists to confidently take part in the world’s largest research collaboration programme – Horizon Europe.

"We have worked with our EU partners to make sure that this is right deal for the UK, unlocking unparalleled research opportunities, and also the right deal for British taxpayers."

The Horizon deal also involves the UK rejoining Copernicus, the EU’s Earth observation space programme.

The Royal Agricultural University (RAU) in Cirencester has also welcomed the news.

Funding research in areas from climate change and improving food security to terminal diseases and artificial intelligence, Horizon brings together scientists and companies from more than 40 countries.

Professor Mark Horton, RAU Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise), said: “This is really good news. The RAU has several Horizon Europe projects on animal welfare and farmer participation and we are all so excited that we can once again apply for new grants.

“The world is facing a climate and ecological emergency and, at the RAU, we have experts who are keen to be able to expand their research with our European colleagues.”

UK researchers will now be able to apply for grants and bid to take part in projects under the Horizon programme with certainty that the UK will be participating as a fully associated member for the remaining life of the programme to 2027.

The new deal, which has been negotiated over the last six months, will give UK research institutions and companies unrivalled opportunities to lead global work to develop new research projects and technologies.

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By Stephen Emerson

Stephen Emerson is the Managing Editor of The Business Magazine and is responsible for the publication's print publications and online properties including the newly launched Biz News websites in Hampshire and Dorset.

Stephen has been a journalist for 20 years and has worked at local, regional and national publications and led a team which made The Scotsman website one of the fastest growing news sites in the UK with over eight million monthly users.

He has a keen interest in technology, property and corporate finance and telling the stories of the people behind the successful firms in these sectors.