Detail on Horizon alternatives welcome but risks remain, says NCUB

Yesterday the Government published Supporting UK R&D and Collaborative Research Beyond European Programmes. This document describes how the Government will support the system in the transition period, in the event that the UK is unable to associate to Horizon Europe., Copernicus and Euratom.

Commenting on the document, Dr Joe Marshall, Chief Executive of the National Centre for Universities and Business (NCUB), said: “European programmes have been core to the strength of the UK research and innovation system. The publication of the document is welcome in providing some clarity and detail as to how the Government will support the system in the event that the UK is unable to associate to Horizon Europe.”

Marshall concluded: “The UK research system is a comparative strength of the UK. The long-term health and prosperity of the UK is dependent on this system being supported. This requires globally competitive levels of public support and mechanisms to support international collaboration by both universities and businesses. In a period of political and economic volatility, the publication of Supporting UK R&D and Collaborative Research Beyond European Programmes is therefore welcome. We would however welcome clarity on what an alternative system might look like if the UK is unable to associate to Horizon Europe. The document only hints at, rather than delivers, a new alternative vision for R&D activity. There remain risks to the long-term stability of support which could lead to the diminution of a key national asset, the UK research system. We look forward to further engagement from Government.”