Russell Group on proposals for Horizon Europe alternative

20 July 2022

Confirming the UK's association to the Horizon Europe research programme remains the best outcome for all parties however the Government is right to set out proposals for an alternative, the Russell Group has said.

However the group has reiterated its call for all parties to set aside their differences and deliver UK association to Horizon Europe, which was part of the Withdrawal Agreement. The comments come after the Government's proposals for a new R&D programme if the UK is unable to associate to Horizon Europe, Copernicus and Euratom were published today (20 July).

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

“Securing the UK’s association to Horizon Europe remains the best outcome for Britain and the EU. While full association remains a possibility, we and researchers across the continent will continue to call on all parties to deliver what was agreed in the Withdrawal Agreement.

“However, with UK participation still unresolved, and to prepare for all scenarios, the Government is right to set out proposals for an alternative. We welcome the suite of transition measures, which includes full third country participation in Horizon Europe, as this would ease the transition to a new programme if required.

“Ensuring these proposals are backed by the full funding set aside for Horizon in the Spending Review is critical to their success and will send a strong signal to the global research community. However, we continue to urge the UK and EU to set aside their differences and unlock the enormous benefits to both sides that UK association to Horizon Europe will bring.”

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