The government has announced an extension to the financial safety net for research projects that have successfully applied for Horizon Europe funding. Eligible UK applicants will now be guaranteed funding for awards expected to be signed by the end of 2022.

The UK’s efforts to associate to Horizon Europe – agreed with the European Commission in the Trade and Cooperation Agreement – have been hampered by post-Brexit negotiations with the EU, and the safety net is for UK researchers who successfully applied to the €95.5 billion (£80.5bn) programme but are unable to access funding. Funding will continue to be delivered through UK Research and Innovation and details of the extension to the guarantee can be found on the UKRI website.

Professor Dame Jessica Corner, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange, said that while the extension to the guarantee was welcome and indicated the UK Government’s continued commitment to association, it prolongs uncertainty for researchers and the university’s partners in the UK and across Europe.

Dame Jessica again encouraged members of the research community to support Stick to Science, a campaign urging EU leaders and the UK government to agree to the UK’s association to the world-leading research and innovation programme, and especially to encourage partners outside of the UK to sign up to the campaign.

Dame Jessica said: “It remains vital that barriers to research collaboration in Europe are lifted.

“We have an excellent track record with Horizon Europe and whatever the outcome of negotiations between the UK and EU, we remain committed to developing innovation networks with our partners in Europe.

“Please do consider supporting the Stick to Science campaign– and meanwhile we strongly encourage our researchers to continue to apply to Horizon Europe and maintain our excellent record of engagement.

“Research Development staff in Research and Innovation are working to support applications to Horizon Europe and to engage with the UKRI Guarantee on our initial successes, as well as continuing to lobby hard to protect our interests.”

Sign the Stick to Science campaign

Anyone interested in pursuing European funding, wanting more detail on the ‘safety net’ or advice on the various strands of funding available and the support at Nottingham, should contact EU Development Manager Matthew Rackley or their local research development professional.