‘What’s next for U-EU relations in science and technology?’
The signing of the UK-EU trade agreement on 24th December 2020 still leaves unanswered a significant question for UK scientists and institutions: whether they will be able to participate in the Horizon Europe Programme, which was launched on 2nd February 2021.
Speaking at a virtual meeting (see figure 1.) Miss Harriet Wallace, Director of Science, International at the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) affirmed that the UK is seeking to expedite legal formalities on collaborative mutual agreements with the EU after BREXIT to enable researchers and innovative entities to participate in the program.
Figure 1. Meeting participants at ‘What’s next for U-EU relations in science and technology?’
As stated by Deputy Director and Chief Negotiator of the EC, Madam Signe Ratso, UK applicants will be eligible to apply for the Horizon Europe Program as associate members of the European Union. The first call for proposals is expected to be published on 1st April 2020.
As mentioned in the agreement between the two bodies, the UK researchers and innovators can apply within the three pillars. However for European Innovation Council applications, R&I applicants will not be able to share the equity funding of innovations but can benefit locally from the Innovate UK plan. Nonetheless, the UK is preparing to host the COP26 in November 2021 to tackle the global threat of climate change.
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