• H2020
• Excellent Science

Commissioner for research Carlos Moedas has reassured UK researchers that their validity for Horizon 2020 applications remains unchanged.

The UK is a major beneficiary of the EU research and innovation framework programme, receiving a total in excess of €7bn under the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) between 2007 and 2013.

Under the current programme, Horizon 2020, which runs from 2014 to 2020, more opportunities and a higher budget are available.

The value of successfully applying for funding, however, is secondary to the building of networks and the exchange of information and practices, and UK researchers have expressed a concern in whether or not these latter benefits are now forfeit.

Moedas said: “Naturally, I respect the choice of British voters, but I also regret the outcome of the referendum. The UK is an essential and valued partner in the EU’s research collaboration, and the UK’s research is strengthened by its relationships with the EU and the international community.

“Since the morning of 24 June, we have been getting many questions from researchers in the UK who worry about the implications of the referendum on the availability of EU research funding.”

In an attempt to reassure UK researchers that their validity still applies, Moedas continued by stating that “the referendum, as such, doesn’t change anything regarding their eligibility for funding under Horizon 2020, the world’s biggest research and innovation funding programme.”

Many UK scientists, regardless of whether they voted to remain in the EU or not, agree that their contribution to European science is still valid and significant – as is the contribution of other EU member states and associated countries to UK science.