The UK is nearing a deal to rejoin the Horizon Europe science research program after being excluded since 2020 due to the Brexit spat over Northern Ireland's trading arrangements. There are speculations that an announcement could be made at the Nato summit next Tuesday. The UK government is concerned about the weakened confidence in the science sector, fearing that the money it pays in will not be matched by awards, making it a net loser. However, proponents argue that confidence will recover and the UK will play a leading role in the program once again. Prior to Brexit, the UK received more back in grants from EU research programs than it contributed. The UK Research and Innovation government fund guarantees support for scientists who relied on Horizon grants, but the science community argues that international collaboration and sharing of findings are crucial for accelerating advances. The delayed access to Horizon Europe was an informal retaliatory measure by the EU over the UK's failure to implement the Northern Ireland protocol. Talks to resolve the issue were only reopened in March 2023 when a new framework for Northern Ireland was agreed upon. Doubts have been raised over whether the UK will seek access to Euratom, another funding scheme for nuclear research, amid concerns about the value for money in Horizon Europe.
Thu, 06 Jul 2023 16:07:00 GMT | The Guardian