European collaboration has long been crucial to the success and global impact of UK science, benefiting people in the UK, across Europe and beyond. To maintain our position in international science in uncertain times, the UK should seek to associate to the next EU Framework Programme (FP10) as fully as possible from the outset. This will ensure UK-based researchers and innovators can continue to apply for funding, lead projects and collaborate with partners throughout the rest of Europe and increasingly across the world.
EU Framework Programmes were established in the 1980s to promote scientific excellence and streamline Europe’s research inquiries by identifying thematic priorities. Today they are the largest international funding programmes for research and innovation in the world, unmatched in their ambition, scale and competitiveness. The scientific and reputational benefits of associating are impossible to replicate domestically. The UK is currently associated to Horizon Europe (FP9) alongside others outside the EU including Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Norway and Switzerland.
EU Framework Programmes are structured around pillars dedicated to different areas of cutting-edge science and innovation. Securing the fullest possible association across these pillars will allow the UK to maintain access to networks at the frontiers of knowledge and innovation, and to attract and retain talent through investigator-led funding schemes open to associated countries. It will demonstrate the UK’s stable and ongoing commitment to scientific integrity, research security and excellence at a time when these values are no longer taken for granted in all parts of the world.
UK priorities for FP10
- Continued focus on excellent science and innovation.
- Open and attractive to third countries, supporting investigator-led research as essential to European competitiveness.
- Full association giving the UK the maximum possible engagement, access and influence available to a non-EU country.