As part of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) between the UK and the EU, it was decided in December 2020 that the UK would associate to the Horizon Europe programme, subject to formalisation of the association agreement and adoption of the protocols agreed under the EU-UK TCA. Association gives UK & Northern Ireland scientists, researchers and businesses access to funding under the Programme on equivalent terms as organisations in EU countries.
Horizon Europe retains the same focus on excellent research of its predecessor, Horizon 2020. Funding calls will be based on three main areas, Excellent science, Global challenges & European industrial competitiveness and Innovative Europe.
The main work programme of Horizon Europe for the period 2023-2024 outlines the objectives and specific topic areas that will receive a total of €13.5bn in funding and NI scientists, researchers and businesses are strongly encouraged to form collaborative partnerships with international counterparts and to bid into Horizon Europe. Horizon Europe Work Programmes for 2025 are currently being developed.
Further details are available on the UK government and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) websites:
UK association to Horizon Europe
On 4th December 2023, the UK and EU signed the bespoke new agreement at an EU-UK Specialised Committee for participation in Union Programmes (SCPUP) finalising the UKs association to Horizon Europe and Copernicus Programmes.
A UK-EU agreement explainer for UK Horizon Europe applicants and grant holders has been published by the UK Government providing further detail on eligibility, what association status means, work programme detail and what is included https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/horizon-europe-and-copernicus-programmes-2023-uk-eu-agreement-explainer/horizon-europe-and-copernicus-programmes-2023-uk-eu-agreement-explainer
European Commission have also published a comprehensive Q&A on UK association https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/qanda_23_4373
The Horizon Europe UK guarantee scheme (which was in place for calls until the end of 2023) is delivered through UKRI who have published details about eligibility, scope and how to apply https://www.ukri.org/apply-for-funding/apply-for-horizon-europe-guarantee-funding/
Horizon Europe guarantee: applications and grant offer statistics shows UK and regional level successful participation in the Horizon Europe programme through the UKRI guarantee.
See our NI Horizon Europe news and events pages and follow @HorizonEuropeNI on Twitter to keep up to date on local announcements and events.