The University of Kent welcomes the announcement that the UK will once again have access to the world’s largest research collaboration programme, Horizon Europe.
From Wednesday 7 September, UK researchers can apply for grants and bid to take part in projects under the £85 billion Horizon programme, with certainty that the UK will be participating as a fully associated member for the remaining life of the programme to 2027.
Shane Weller, DVC of Research and Innovation at the University of Kent, said of the announcement, “Today’s news that the UK has agreed to associate to the Horizon Europe programme from 1 January 2024 is most welcome. The University of Kent has a rich history of success in European Framework funding, especially during Horizon 2020, and many Kent researchers have been successfully applying to Horizon Europe and winning funding, which so far has been distributed through the UK Horizon Europe Funding Guarantee. Today’s news provides further reassurance on European funding and opportunities for collaboration over the next four years.”
Horizon has been the basis of scientific collaboration for over 30 years. With funding cycles renewing every seven years, they provide researchers with long-term financial support to tackle some of the world’s greatest challenges, including climate change and cancer.
The UK was formerly a leader in the programme, with UK researchers having been amongst the greatest beneficiaries of previous funding rounds. At Kent, funding from European programmes made up approximately 20-25% of research funding up until Britain left the EU.
Rejoining the Horizon scheme will provide further opportunities to fund world-leading research at Kent whilst supporting the next generation of research talent, to deliver significant cultural, social and economic benefits to regional, national and international communities.