Joint statement on UK participation in EU's Horizon Europe science funding programme

22 July 2020

The Russell Group today joined over 100 organisations and individuals representing the research community across the UK and Europe in signing a joint statement on UK participation in Horizon Europe.

The statement, Securing a strong outcome for research in the EU-UK future relationship: Reaching an agreement on UK participation in Horizon Europe [PDF], sets out how negotiators could secure an agreement on UK participation in the EU’s major research framework programme.

Commenting, Dr. Tim Bradshaw, Chief Executive of the Russell Group, said: 

“Collaboration is at the heart of research and as we look to the biggest challenges facing us –  transitioning to a genuine low-carbon future, tackling social inequality and global health – its importance will only increase. The UK government has recognised this with its ambition to associate to Horizon Europe with the extensive benefits it provides, but the conditions of that participation must be fair and balanced for all sides.

“The scientific community of many nations has joined together to underline not just the importance of that collaborative relationship but also the need for all parties to protect it. We urge both sides to approach the next round of negotiations with an open mind and a spirit of compromise to get a mutually beneficial deal over the line. We owe it to future generations to ensure they will continue to benefit – as we have – from a fruitful partnership between Britain and Europe.

“We now urge all parties to consider the proposals set out in the statement, backed by the scientific community, and we stand ready to support the Government as it looks ahead to an ambitious future for global research collaboration.”

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