A major new government-commissioned analysis has revealed that UK researchers can achieve better results, greater global influence and more lasting impact when supported by international collaboration through the Horizon Europe programme.
The report, commissioned by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), examines how the UK’s participation in the EU’s flagship research programs has shaped outcomes across science, health, technology and agriculture.
We conclude that support from Horizon-style programs significantly increases the likelihood that ambitious research ideas will be fully realized, rather than being scaled back or abandoned altogether.
Lord Vallance, UK Science Secretary, explained: “Better type 1 diabetes care and more productive farming techniques are just some of the breakthroughs made possible by the UK’s past involvement in Horizon.
“Currently, the program supports innovators with ideas that drive economic growth and improve public services.
“This new evidence shows why it is so important to support our talented scientists, researchers, and businesses to seize the opportunities Horizon offers, and we will continue to do just that in 2026.”
Horizon 2020 evidence shows lasting benefits
This analysis focuses on the Horizon 2020 program (H2020), which ran from 2014 to 2020 and laid the foundation for the current Horizon Europe program.
During this period, UK researchers secured €7.8 billion in funding across around 11,000 projects, making the UK one of the most successful participating countries.
Beyond the major funding amounts, the report highlights clear quality improvements. UK research publications related to projects in the second half of 2020 achieved higher citation impact, indicating they have greater influence within the global academic and scientific community.
Researchers also reported that without access to funding in the second half of 2020, many projects would have faced significant delays, reduced ambition, relocation abroad, or complete cancellation.
From breakthroughs in healthcare to food security
The tangible results of this research investment range from everyday life to critical global challenges.
In healthcare, UK universities played a central role in the INNODIA project, which changed the way we understand type 1 diabetes.
This project is helping to improve clinical trial design and identify age-related biomarkers, paving the way for better disease management and future treatments. Institutions including Cambridge, King’s College London, Oxford, Cardiff and Exeter all contributed to the research.
Another prime example is the EBOVAC program led by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
Through large-scale Phase 1, 2, and 3 trials conducted in Europe and Africa, the program has advanced knowledge about the safety and effectiveness of new Ebola vaccines and strengthened global preparedness for future outbreaks.
Similar research supported by Horizon Europe could support agricultural innovation, help farmers adopt more efficient technologies, and ultimately contribute to food price stability.
Momentum continues under Horizon Europe
The publication of the report coincides with the second anniversary of the UK’s membership in the Horizon Europe programme, the world’s largest multilateral research collaboration framework with a total budget of around £80 billion.
Early indicators suggest that Britain is punching above its weight once again. Last month, the European Research Council announced the winners of its prestigious Consolidator Grant for mid-career researchers.
Of the 349 grants awarded across Europe, 65 went to UK-led projects, the highest proportion of any country, with a total of €728 million invested in cutting-edge research.
Strengthening partnerships for the future
Looking to the future, the Government aims to maximize the opportunities offered by the Horizon Europe program through deeper international partnerships.
The UK will launch targeted campaigns in Spain and Germany in 2026 to showcase the value that UK institutions and businesses bring to collaborative applications.
This builds on existing success stories such as the ESCALATE project to develop the next generation of electric heavy goods vehicles.
The £19m initiative brings together Yorkshire-based Electra Commercial Vehicles and German partners including Spanish logistics company Primafrio Corporation and RWTH Aachen University.
This project demonstrated the commercial viability of heavier electric trucks, supporting decarbonization goals while opening up new markets.
Taken together, these results underline the consistent message that participation in the Horizon Europe program will strengthen UK research, accelerate innovation and deliver real-world benefits at home and abroad.
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