The UK government published a document detailing the transitional plan with alternatives to Horizon Europe, Copernicus and Euratom on 20 July.
The UK’s plan reaffirms the UK’s commitment to Horizon Europe association, citing the UK as a “major financial and intellectual contributor” to EU research programmes. The plan presents the “transition measures”, designed to support R&I collaboration if the UK decides to give up waiting on association, before it launches a fully-fledged alternative.
The transitional measures will fund all UK participants in Horizon Europe consortia where grant agreements are signed before 31 March 2025 and propose two new funding pots: 1) a “flagship talent” offer with a “strong international mobility” and 2) a “Talent and Research Stabilisation Fund” funding projects in-line with “high-level objectives” to be set out at a later date.
The UK partners of the Stick to Science have expressed the Horizon Europe association is still the best way forward for researchers from the UK and the EU to work together, they also welcome the UK Government’s report clarifying how the government would invest in the UK science if the association to Horizon Europe proves impossible.
The UK R&I actors are also calling on the Conservative leadership to commit that “the UK remains a world leader in research, development and innovation” and to take the UK close to the target to spend 2.4% of national wealth on R&D by 2027.
Universities UK’s reaction: Universities UK responds to UK Government publication on Horizon Europe contingency plans
The Royal society’s position: Royal Society response to the publication of Supporting UK R&D and Collaborative Research Beyond European Programmes
Many articles detail the UK announcement. Here a selection:
Government confirms Horizon Europe contingencies – University Business
U.K. outlines ‘Plan B’ research funding to skirt EU impasse | Science | AAAS