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Horizon Europe update: 13 April 2023

13 April 2023

The UK Government have published plans to protect and support UK science, research, technology and innovation, should association to Horizon Europe not be possible. UCL researchers are encouraged to apply for funding as normal as the guarantee remains in place until 30 June.

European Commission

On Thursday 6 April, the UK Government published plans for Pioneer: Global Science for Global Good which sets out plans to protect and support UK science, research, technology and innovation (SRTI) sectors, should association to Horizon Europe on ‘fair and appropriate terms’ not be possible.  

The Government underlined that discussions with the EU regarding UK association to Horizon Europe are ongoing, with Secretary of State Michelle Donelan having travelled to Brussels for meetings with EU Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth on 4th April, and that securing UK association remains their preference. 
 
Should it be required, the alternative Pioneer programme would comprise four interconnected offers: 

  • Pioneer Talent which would enhance the UK’s investment in discovery research as well as the UK’s already strong talent offer 
  • Pioneer Global which would complement and enhance partners’ existing international partnerships 
  • Pioneer Innovation which would increase UK support to business-led innovation across sectors, technologies and UK regions 
  • Pioneer Infrastructure which would provide additional funding into UK SRTI infrastructure, building on successful programmes such as World Class labs 

UCL’s Horizon Europe Response Group (HERG), chaired by Professor Geraint Rees, continues to monitor the situation closely.  

UCL researchers are encouraged to continue to apply for funding as normal, with funding awarded secure under the Horizon Europe guarantee. The guarantee is currently in place to cover all Horizon Europe calls that close on or before the end of June 2023.

Any UCL colleagues or European collaborators with immediate questions on Horizon Europe proposals currently in development, or the UK’s Horizon Europe Guarantee, or are encouraged to contact the ERIO team or attend one of the weekly Horizon Europe drop-in sessions. The link to the drop-in sessions, as well as a set of updated FAQs on Horizon Europe funding is available here.

More information

Further details on Pioneer can be found on the Government website.