A number of colleagues have asked about how the Referendum result affects the UK’s ability to access European research funding, Horizon 2020. The UK is still a member state, and will remain so until the Article 50 negotiations are completed, and therefore staff at UK institutions can apply as they have always done. In addition David Cameron has confirmed that research contracts signed before the date on which the UK leaves the EU will be honoured through to the end. A formal announcement from Jo Johnson confirming this is available here.
I would encourage all those considering applying for European funding to continue with their plans. Not only is it an excellent source of funding, and facilitates incredibly productive collaborations, but it demonstrates that Kent is outward looking, engaged, and will remain the UK’s European university.
If any potential partners have expressed nervousness or disquiet about our level of commitment, I would be happy to provide formal letters of support from the University confirming this, and have already done so for one potential applicant.
Finally, for those of you who already have European projects, I can reassure you that Research Services is closely monitoring currency exchange rates. Whilst there is a good deal of fluctuation at the moment, RS is confident that they are within acceptable limits which have already been factored in to the awards, but will continue to monitor and act accordingly if need be.
For help and advice on applying to the EC for funding, do talk to your Faculty Funding Officers, as follows:
- Humanities: Lynne Bennett (l.bennett-282@kent.ac.uk)
- Social Sciences: Brian Lingley (until 1 July – b.lingley@kent.ac.uk), or Aurelija Povilaike (from 4 July – a.povilaike@kent.ac.uk)
- Sciences: Carolyn Barker (c.m.barker-47@kent.ac.uk) or Helen Leech (h.leech@kent.ac.uk)