UK rejoins EU science research scheme Horizon

The UK is set to rejoin the EU’s flagship scientific research scheme, Horizon. 

It means UK-based scientists and institutions will be able to apply for money from the £81bn fund from today. 

When the UK left the EU in 2020, associate membership had been agreed as part of a deal, but the UK has been excluded from the scheme for the past three years due to a disagreement over the Northern Ireland Protocol. 

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “With a wealth of expertise and experience to bring to the global stage, we have delivered a deal that enables UK scientists to confidently take part in the world’s largest research collaboration programme.

“We have worked with our EU partners to make sure that this is the right deal for the UK, unlocking unparalleled research opportunities, and also the right deal for British taxpayers.”

Thursday’s announcement also states that the UK will associate to Copernicus, the EU’s £8bn (€9bn) Earth observation programme.