More than 500 of the UK’s leading researchers, businesses and scientists will gather at London’s Oval today to celebrate the successes that have already been delivered since the UK associated to the Horizon Europe programme last year.
They’ll also hear advice from industry experts, European diplomats, and leading academics on how to seize the opportunities for funding and collaboration that Horizon Europe offers, with £80bn up for grabs through the programme.
Science Minister Lord Vallance, who will speak at today’s Showcase, said: “Science is stronger when we work together with others, and as new technologies like AI develop rapidly, international collaboration on research is more important than ever before.
“Investing in R&D unlocks the door to more productive businesses, highly skilled and paid jobs, economic growth, and innovations that improve our lives and health.
“We need to go even further to seize the opportunity our association to Horizon represents and then reap the benefits.”
A year down the line: How has Horizon benefited UK research so far?
The UK became an associated country of the Horizon Europe programme on 1 January 2024, which was a significant move to help achieve climate goals and scientific breakthroughs.
As members of Horizon Europe, UK researchers can collaborate in the EU’s research and innovation programme on the same terms as researchers from other associated countries and access funding opportunities.
Initial signs suggest UK association is trending in the right direction. Horizon is giving British researchers and innovators access to funding so they can tackle some of the biggest issues facing society, from breakthroughs in healthcare to putting AI to work across the economy.
During this time, some groundbreaking initiatives have been agreed upon to further secure the UK’s place in European innovation.
An initiative aimed at galvanising UK businesses, academics, and researchers to tap into £82bn Horizon Europe funding was a pivotal breakthrough to encourage closer UK-EU participation.
The campaign launch built upon existing efforts to facilitate UK bids for Horizon funding, including ‘pump priming’ grants in collaboration with the British Academy, offering up to £10,000 to selected UK researchers and businesses to enhance their applications.
Encouragement for British researchers
In the last year, Horizon has also targeted several other campaigns at British researchers. A joint event at the Royal Society last February targeted groups previously less engaged in Horizon, such as SMEs, businesses, and scientists across Europe who could profit from collaboration with UK researchers.
This event marked the beginning of a series of initiatives throughout 2024 aimed at broadening the awareness of Horizon Europe funding among businesses and researchers across the UK.
Earlier this year, the UK launched a nationwide advertising campaign to highlight the benefits of Horizon Europe funding.
Additionally, the UK joined four European Research Infrastructure Consortia (ERICs), further cementing its position in cutting-edge scientific research across multiple disciplines.
Due to these efforts, recent data suggests that British involvement is gaining momentum, with UK-based researchers securing the second-highest number of ERC Synergy Grants in the latest funding round.
What to expect in 2025 and beyond
In 2025, the government is doubling down on its efforts to help the UK’s brightest minds access the opportunities on offer through Horizon through a new PR blitz and networking events in Italy, Germany and Spain for British businesspeople and researchers.
This will include grants to help the businesses cover the cost of attending R&D events across Europe.
Businesses up and down the country are already carrying out cutting-edge R&D thanks to Horizon backing, as well as building consortia with partners in countries ranging from Canada to South Korea and beyond.
DSIT Chief Scientific Adviser Professor Chris Johnson commented: “Over the last year, we’ve seen some initial green shoots of recovery when it comes to UK participation in Horizon Europe.
“Events like today are an important chance to build on that positive momentum and learn from the experience of those who’ve already been successful in building bids for funding.
“In 2025 and beyond, we want more researchers and businesses to seize the benefits of Horizon, accelerate the discoveries that will boost our economy, and deliver new technologies that will improve all our lives.”
Further information, including practical support on how to apply, is available on the Horizon Hub – found on Innovate UK and UK Research and Innovation websites.
UKRI also host regular events that help guide businesses and researchers through the opportunities on offer and the application process.
