Note for those holding or applying to EU Horizon 2020 funding

This note is a guide for those holding or applying for EU research grants following the referendum. While it is a fluid situation the points below constitute the best advice we can offer at present.

Important statements have been issued by the European Commission in respect of Horizon 2020 research funding. Commissioner Carlos Moedas stated on 27 June:

"Until the end of the negotiations, UK remains Member of the EU and therefore with all the rights and obligations, including in relation to Research Programmes like Horizon 2020."

"From a legal point of view, the outcome of the referendum has not changed anything. The EU law continues to apply in full to the UK and in the UK until the moment it is no longer a Member State."

Research Europe reported an interview on 28th June with an unnamed Commission official saying:

"..the UK would continue to be a full member of the EU and to have the same rights and obligations in terms of research until the end of the negotiations. The calls that are launched before the date on which the UK leaves the EU should remain accessible to the UK, the same source said."

The UK government has confirmed this position:

Horizon 2020 research funding

"The referendum result has no immediate effect on those applying to or participating in Horizon 2020. UK participants can continue to apply to the programme in the usual way. The future of UK access to European science funding will be a matter for future discussions. Government is determined to ensure that the UK continues to play a leading role in European and international research." (Jo Johnson, 28 June)

Hence investigators who are currently coordinating or participating in FP7/H2020 projects should continue as usual.

The same applies to those preparing or planning applications. These should continue. We have heard isolated cases from other universities of partners being reluctant to 'risk' a UK participant or coordinator. They should be directed to the Commission statements. Please share any such feedback.

Beyond the negotiation period, along with most UK scientific bodies we are lobbying to stay in Horizon 2020 and its successor via some form of Associated Status in the programmes that will allow continued participation. This will depend upon the outcome of negotiations which are not projected to start until after the summer.

Luke Georghiou
Vice-President for Research and Innovation