The European Commissioner for Research and Innovation, Illiana Ivanova, and the UK Science and Technology Secretary, Michelle Donelan, are scheduled to convene with leaders from various sectors of the UK’s science, business, and research communities on Monday, January 12th.
Their objective is to encourage UK innovators and researchers to capitalize on the opportunities afforded by Horizon Europe funding and the potential for collaboration with leading minds from Europe and beyond.
Horizon Europe stands as the world’s largest collaborative programme of research, of which the UK is a participant following a bespoke deal secured by the Prime Minister last year.
This agreement enhanced the benefits for UK scientists and offered improved value for UK taxpayers.
Secretary Donelan and Commissioner Ivanova will articulate the joint determination of both the UK and EU to ensure the success of the UK’s association with Horizon Europe.
This message will be delivered at a joint event hosted at the Royal Society, targeting decision-makers from academia and industry.
The event aims to engage groups that have not traditionally been heavily involved in Horizon, such as SMEs, along with businesses and scientists across Europe who could benefit from collaborating with UK researchers through the programme.
Examples of UK firms already reaping the benefits of Horizon funding include Nova Innovation, whose consortium secured over £17 million for the development of tidal energy in Orkney, and The Floow, a South Yorkshire tech firm involved in a project awarded just under £3 million focusing on road safety.
With a total worth of approximately £80 billion, Horizon Europe presents a significant opportunity for R&D practitioners to secure backing for crucial research that impacts various aspects of life, from health to the environment.
The average Horizon grant, valued at £450,000 for a UK business or researcher, underscores the scale of this opportunity.
Moreover, Horizon Europe facilitates international collaboration, allowing researchers to work alongside colleagues from the EU, New Zealand, Canada, and Israel with confidence.
The programme’s vast potential for accessing new markets and clients will be highlighted in an upcoming communications campaign set to launch in Italy and Spain.
This initiative will illustrate how partnering with the UK’s top minds through Horizon can benefit some of Europe’s most innovative researchers.
In summary, the meeting between Commissioner Ivanova and Secretary Donelan aims to underscore the immense potential of Horizon Europe funding for UK innovators and researchers.
By fostering collaboration and showcasing success stories, both parties seek to maximize the benefits of the UK’s association with this groundbreaking programme.
Read also: UK rejoins EU’s Horizon Europe programme – but at a cost of €2.43 billion per year!
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