Despite the agreement on the post-Brexit deal in December 2020, which included an agreement on the UK’s associate membership, the implementation of the status is delayed due to a dispute over the Northern Ireland protocol between the EU and the UK.
A government spokesperson warned that “If the UK is unable to associate soon, (…) we will introduce a comprehensive alternative to promote global science, research and innovation collaboration”. Nevertheless, George Freeman, UK Minister for science, research and innovation, said membership remains the priority. The funding guarantee for British Horizon Europe applicants will last until the end of 2022.
The lead of Research and Innovation at Universities UK, Paul Boyle, said on the behalf of the 140 represented institutions that the situation is “close to the precipice”. “We believe that a decision to abandon association could come as early as June.”
Recently, an astrophysicist from the University of Cambridge lost a leadership role in a 2-million pound ESA project.
The UK was the 2nd most important beneficiary of H2020, with over 7 billion euros. It allowed organisations from the UK to create consortiums together with other European partners in a mutually beneficial relationship and increased international mobility for researchers through the MSCA programme.
The United Kingdom may follow the path of Switzerland, another major actor under H2020 which is not eligible anymore for Horizon Europe.
Sources:
The Guardian
BBC
Chemistry World
The Pie News
Financial Times