Negotiations Near Completion for UK’s Association with EU’s Horizon Programme
According to sources, a deal for the UK’s association with the EU’s €100bn (£85bn) Horizon research and innovation programme is close to being finalized. The proposed arrangement is currently awaiting approval from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and an announcement is expected after his discussions with European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday. Although Downing Street initially denied the existence of a deal, reliable sources now confirm that the sticking point regarding research funding has been resolved, and two separate options for associate membership are awaiting the Prime Minister’s consideration.
Potential Rejection of Options Raises Concerns
While Rishi Sunak has expressed enthusiasm for an alternative international collaborative research programme, developed by Science Minister George Freeman, the UK research community has consistently and unanimously advocated for membership in the European Horizon programme. If Sunak rejects the options currently on his desk, the scientific establishment is expected to react with unimaginable anger, according to a senior scientific leader.
A Much-Needed Relief for the Scientific Community
Assuming all proceeds as expected, this deal will come as a tremendous relief for the scientific community. Numerous leading UK researchers have faced uncertainty regarding the future of their world-leading research projects and, in some cases, the stability of their own jobs and those of their teams. Associate membership with the EU’s Horizon programme was agreed upon as part of the withdrawal agreement when the UK officially left the EU in January 2020. However, the arrangement was not implemented due to disagreements over the Northern Ireland protocol. The resolution of these issues in February of this year raised hopes for a swift agreement on Horizon membership.
Renegotiating Research Funding Allocation
Talks between the UK and EU have primarily focused on renegotiating the allocation of research funding, seeking to align it more closely with other associate members. It is understood that two formulas have now been agreed upon and await the Prime Minister’s signature. This standoff has puzzled UK researchers, as the country received approximately £500m more annually than the £1.5bn it contributed to Horizon prior to Brexit. Given the quality of British science, the research community believes that by investing around £2bn per year, the UK should receive at least the same amount in return. Many feel that months have been wasted on hypothetical debates.
Call for Timely Agreement
News of a draft agreement was initially reported by Politico on Wednesday afternoon, but a brief statement from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office offered no confirmation. On Thursday morning, Rishi Sunak’s official spokesman emphasized the Prime Minister’s intention to secure “value for money for taxpayers” in any potential agreement, as discussions continue constructively. Prominent figures in the scientific community, including Nobel prize winner Sir Paul Nurse and Professor Lord Krebs, have urged the Prime Minister to finalize the deal without further delay. Vivienne Stern, Chief Executive of Universities UK, also expressed hope that the agreement would be reached, highlighting the benefits of joining the programme, such as enhanced research collaboration opportunities and access to larger grants for UK universities.
SOURCE: Ref Image from The Epoch Times
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