Universities Scotland “delighted” by UK’s return to Horizon Europe
Universities Scotland have welcomed today’s announcement that the UK will associate to the Horizon Europe and Copernicus programmes for the remainder of this programme (until 2027).
Horizon Europe is the EU’s key funding programme for research and innovation with a budget of €95.5 billion. Over the last multi-year Horizon programme, Scotland brought in close to €900 million, boosting the nation’s innovation economy.
Association with Horizon Europe has long been considered the best outcome for Scotland’s research community. The investment funds vital research that changes people’s lives, creates highly skilled jobs, supports emerging industries and helps to attract further investment from overseas, ensuring a major impact here at home.
Responding to this announcement, Professor Iain Gillespie, Convener of Universities Scotland, said:
“Scottish higher education institutions are delighted that the UK will fully associate to Horizon Europe and that our researchers will be able to participate in and lead projects once again. This deal offers a major boost to our ability to contribute to our economy. Scotland’s universities are excited to make the very most of the new opportunities this deal will create. We thank the UK Government and the Commission for their persistence to get this over the line.”