Our regularly updated factsheet on UK participation in EU programmes for research, innovation and higher education, answers some of the most common questions on this topic, both with the UK and international audiences in mind.
It provides the latest understanding and facts on UK participation in Horizon Europe, Horizon 2020 and other EU funding schemes. You are welcome to share this factsheet widely, within your institutions and with your European and international partners.
UKRO webinar on grant preparation for projects with UK organisations
Our webinar on the Grant Agreement Preparation (GAP) phase for projects with UK participants selected under the Horizon Europe calls was held on 22 September 2022.
The main aim of the session was to share with participants the experiences of the GAP process under the first waves of Horizon Europe calls – while the UK association is delayed – to help prospective successful applicants better prepare for the process in the future.
The event was open to research managers from non-UK institutions coordinating successful projects with the UK participants, who are involved in the GAP process.
The video recording and presentation slides are now openly available:
UK association to EU research programmes
As part of the agreement reached between the UK and the EU in December 2020, the UK has announced its intention to associate to Horizon Europe. The association will give UK scientists, researchers and businesses access to funding under the programme on equivalent terms as organisations in EU countries. The next step is for both sides to formally adopt the agreement, taking into account the EU Programme Regulations.
The UK also reached an agreement, in principle, with the EU and Euratom to associate to the next Euratom Research & Training (R&T) Programme 2021 to 2025, subject to confirmation of the overall deal and finalisation of the regulations.
A new Turing scheme replaced the UK’s participation in Erasmus+. The programme provides similar opportunities for students to study and work abroad as the Erasmus+ programme. It includes countries across the world.
Funding support in the event of a delay to UK association
As the delay to UK association continues, the UK government has confirmed that successful Horizon Europe applicants will receive guaranteed funding from UKRI, regardless of the outcome of the UK’s efforts to associate to Horizon Europe.
UKRI has published information about the scope of the guarantee and instructions on how to apply. During the delay to association, you should continue to apply as a beneficiary from an Associated Country to be eligible for this funding.
Available support if the UK is unable to associate
The UK government has set out a package of transitional measures to ensure the stability and continuity of funding for researchers and businesses, which will come into force if the UK is not able to associate to Horizon Europe.
These measures include the UK guarantee scheme already in operation, as well as funding for:
- Successful, in-flight UK-based applicants to Horizon Europe
- Third Country Participation in Horizon Europe
During the delay to UK association, you should continue to apply as a beneficiary from an Associated Country to be eligible, except for Third Country Participation funding which will come into effect at the point the UK was unable to associate.
UK participation in Horizon 2020
The Withdrawal Agreement means that the UK can continue to participate in EU programmes, including Horizon 2020, financed by the 2014-2020 Multiannual Financial Framework until their closure (this means for the lifetime of grants).
UK participants will continue to receive EU grant funding for the lifetime of individual Horizon 2020 projects, including projects finishing after the transition period concludes at the end of 2020. UK scientists, researchers and businesses can continue to participate in and lead Horizon 2020 projects and apply for Horizon 2020 grant funding.
You can find more information about continued UK participation in EU-funded programmes including Horizon 2020 on the UKRI website.
UKRO updates on EU-UK relationship
UKRO also provides regular updates on the latest developments related to the relationship between the UK and the EU in dedicated articles for staff at subscribing organisations. If you are a subscriber, you can view these updates in our news section.
Last updated: 28 March 2023