We are encouraged by the fact that both sides have demonstrated willingness for full UK association in Horizon Europe. It is vital that this commitment now translates quickly into an agreement on the terms of association.
Full UK association to Horizon Europe is crucial for scientific cooperation between Europe and the UK to continue flourishing, thus allowing for cross-border science to tackle our shared challenges and to build a better future for the generations to come.
With Horizon Europe commencing in 2021, it is critical for negotiators to come to a swift agreement that:
- Demonstrates commitment to the programme
- Ensures a fair financial contribution, avoiding undue financial imbalances
- Accepts EU oversight of the use of programme funds
- Agrees to introduce reciprocal mobility arrangements to support the programme
- Clarifies that the results of research can be exploited beyond the EU
Jan Palmowski, Secretary-General of The Guild, said: ‘For the past four years, The Guild has been vociferous in making the case for a continued close science relationship between the UK and the EU through full UK association to Horizon Europe. We join forces once again with the Wellcome Trust, the Russell Group, Universities UK and other organisations and individuals to make it clear that science must not be divided in addressing our common challenges.’