Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of the UK becoming fully associated to Horizon Europe on universities in the UK.

Due to the EU’s delays in implementing the UK’s association to Horizon Europe, the Government introduced the Horizon Europe guarantee, which covers all Horizon calls that close on or before 31 March 2023. This has enabled successful UK-based Horizon researchers to receive the full value of their funding and means researchers do not need to relocate abroad. To the end of January 2023, guarantee awards have been made to 1,548 recipients totalling £751 million.

If the EU’s delays continue, the Government will be ready to introduce a comprehensive alternative programme to support the UK R&D sector.