UK extends funding support for its Horizon Europe research applicants | Popgen Tech

LONDON, Dec 19 (Reuters) – The British government said on Monday it will extend research funding for UK Horizon Europe applicants until March next year so they can continue their work while post-Brexit access to European Union science programs is finalised.

Under a trade deal signed at the end of 2020, Britain has negotiated access to a range of science and innovation programmes, including Horizon, a €95.5 billion program that offers grants and projects to researchers.

But Britain says the EU still needs to finalize access to Horizon, Copernicus, the Earth observation program on climate change, Euratom, the nuclear research program, and to services such as Space Surveillance and Tracking, and in August it launched dispute resolution proceedings with the bloc. .

“The extension will ensure that eligible, successful UK applicants will continue to be guaranteed funding, supporting them to continue their important work in research and innovation,” the Business Department said in a statement.

“The guarantee will be in place to cover all Horizon Europe calls closing on or before 31 March 2023. Eligible, successful applicants for Horizon Europe will receive the full value of their funding at their UK host institution for the life of their award. “

Britain has said it continues to push for association with EU programs but time is running out and it will soon publish details of transitional measures that will be implemented if association is no longer possible.

“The Government’s priority is to support the UK’s research and development sector during the ongoing period of uncertainty, and to secure strong international collaboration opportunities for UK research,” it said.

Reporting by Kylie MacLellan; editing by William James

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