Skip to main content Skip to navigation

Safeguards to Horizon 2020 funding announced

Horizon2020
The Government has recently announced a series of safeguarding measures for EU funded projects. These include the underwriting of funding for Horizon 2020 projects awarded whilst the UK remains a member of the EU. The Treasury will underwrite the payment of such awards, even when specific projects continue beyond the UK’s departure from the EU.

These measures are designed to bring certainty to universities over future funding, so that researchers can continue to bid for competitive EU funds whilst the UK remains a member of the EU.

Business and Energy Secretary Greg Clark said:

The government’s commitment to our world-leading science and research base remains steadfast. By underwriting the significant Horizon 2020 grants we are showing the extent of our commitment, standing squarely behind our researchers and scientists as they continue working with their European partners to develop new technologies, discover life-saving medicines and pioneer every day innovations that will benefit all hard-working Britons."

A spokesman for the Russell Group said:

The Chancellor's commitment to underwrite competitive bids for Horizon 2020 funding, while we are still a member of the EU, will go a long way towards maintaining the networks, collaborations and critical mass of research activity that have played a crucial part in the success of Russell Group universities. We will work closely with Government to secure the best deal for universities from the negotiations to come so that we can continue to form productive collaborations across Europe and be world leaders in scientific research."

Find out more

Jo Johnson, Minister of State for Universities, Science, Research and Innovation has written to Professor Madeleine Atkins, Chief Executive for HEFCE, detailing the action the government is taking to provide continuity of research funding. Read his full letter on the HEFCE website | Read more on the Government’s safeguarding measures