Over 500 of the UK’s leading researchers, businesses and scientists gather in London’s oval to celebrate the successes that have already been offered since the UK related to last year’s Horizon Europe programme.
They also hear advice from industry experts, European diplomats, and leading scholars on how to seize funding and collaboration opportunities provided by Horizon Europe.
Speaking at today’s showcase, Minister of Science, Minister of Balance said: “Science becomes stronger when you work with others. As new technologies like AI develop rapidly, international collaboration on research is more important than ever.
“Investing in R&D unlocks the doors to more productive business, highly skilled and paid jobs, economic growth and innovation that improves our lives and health.
“We need to seize the opportunity the association will represent to Horizon and then go further to enjoy the benefits.”
A year later: How has Horizon benefited UK research so far?
The UK became a affiliated country of the Horizon Europe Programme on January 1, 2024. This was an important move that helped us achieve climate goals and scientific breakthroughs.
As a member of Horizon Europe, UK researchers can work with researchers from other relevant countries on the EU’s research and innovation programmes and access funding opportunities.
The first signs suggest that the British Association is heading in the right direction. Horizon allows UK researchers and innovators to access fundraising, allowing them to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing society, from healthcare breakthroughs to working with AI across the economy.
During this time, several groundbreaking initiatives have been agreed to further secure the UK’s position in European innovation.
The initiative aimed at UK businesses, academics and researchers to leverage £82 billion Horizon Europe’s funding, was a pivotal breakthrough to encourage closer UK participation.
The launch of the campaign was built on existing efforts to promote UK bids for horizon funds, including a “pump priming” grant in collaboration with the UK academy, and strengthened applications by providing up to £10,000 to selected UK researchers and businesses.
Encouragement for British researchers
Last year, Horizon is a UK researcher and targeted several other campaigns. The joint event at the Royal Society last February targeted groups that were previously unengaged on the horizon, including small businesses, businesses and scientists who could benefit from collaboration with British researchers.
The event marked the beginning of a series of initiatives throughout 2024 aimed at expanding Horizon Europe’s fundraising awareness among businesses and researchers across the UK.
Earlier this year, the UK launched a nationwide advertising campaign to highlight the benefits of Horizon Europe’s fundraising.
Additionally, the UK has participated in four European Research Infrastructure Consortiums (ERICS) to further strengthen its position in cutting-edge scientific research in multiple fields.
With these efforts, recent data suggests that UK involvement is gaining momentum, with UK-based researchers securing the second-highest number of ERC synergy grants in the latest round of funding.
What to expect from 2025 onwards
In 2025, the government is doubleping its efforts to ensure that the brightest minds of the UK are accessed to the opportunities offered through Horizon for British businessmen and researchers in the UK, Germany and Spain.
This includes grants to help businesses cover the costs of participating in R&D events across Europe.
National and international companies are already engaged in cutting-edge research and development thanks to Horizon Bucking. It also has established a consortium with partners from Canada to Korea and beyond.
Chris Johnson, Chief Professor of Science Advisor, DSIT, commented:
“Events like today are important opportunities to build on that positive momentum and learn from the experiences of people who have already succeeded in building fundraising bids.
“From 2025 onwards we hope that more researchers and businesses will seize the benefits of the horizon, accelerate discoveries that boost the economy, and provide new technologies that will improve all of our lives.”
More information, including practical support on how to apply, is available on Horizon Hub, available on the Innovate UK and UK research and innovation website.
UKRI also hosts regular events that help guide businesses and researchers through the opportunities offered and the application process.
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