In a significant development, the UK's association with the £80 billion Horizon and Copernicus programmes has been officially sealed. Science and Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan visited Brussels on Monday, 4 December, marking a crucial step to enhance UK involvement in these world-leading research initiatives.

The association, sealed after six months of negotiations, is anticipated to generate thousands of new jobs, contributing to the growth of the economy and positioning the UK as a science and technology hub. Under the negotiated deal, the UK secured improved financial terms for its association with Horizon, ensuring enhanced benefits for UK scientists and value for the taxpayer. The agreement was formalised by officials during meetings between the Secretary of State and EU Research and Innovation Commissioner Iliana Ivanova in Brussels.

Iliana Ivanova, European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education, and Youth, expressed satisfaction in welcoming the UK back to the Horizon family, considering it a milestone and a win-win for global scientific progress.

Huge benefits to SME's

With the UK's association to Horizon and Copernicus confirmed, a new phase begins with opportunities for researchers, academics, and businesses to participate in the world's largest research cooperation programme. The UK government, through the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology, plans to launch a communications campaign to encourage widespread participation. Support initiatives, including funding for first-time Horizon applicants, aim to ensure broad engagement, especially from small and medium-sized businesses involved in research and development.

Funding under Horizon and Copernicus can be accessed for ground breaking research or new technologies, improving research training and development, enhancing research infrastructure, and creating growth in sectors like advanced manufacturing, materials, biotechnology, information and communication technology, nanotechnology, and space. The initiative also aims to increase private investment in research and respond to challenges such as climate change, food security, or healthcare for an aging population.

Fore more information, please visit Horizon Europe funding - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)