LONDON: In a significant development, the UK government has officially announced its reentry into the renowned EU science research initiative, Horizon.

Effective immediately, scientists and research institutions based in the UK will once again be eligible to apply for funding from this flagship European scheme. Additionally, the UK will regain access to the Copernicus project, utilizing EU satellites for vital Earth observation and monitoring activities.

This news brings immense relief to organizations heavily reliant on funding to drive critical research and innovation projects. Horizon, boasting an £85 billion budget, stands as the European Union’s premier science and research program, globally recognized as the largest research endeavor of its kind.

It is dedicated to propelling EU member states to the forefront of innovation in areas such as health, climate change, technology, and industry.

Beyond its support for research endeavors, Horizon extends its reach by funding fellowships and facilitating the mobility of researchers. Moreover, the program has played an instrumental role in connecting Ukrainian researchers with European research infrastructures, fostering international collaboration in the pursuit of innovation.

Between 2021 and 2022, over 14,000 organizations actively participated in Horizon, with the program even providing support to 12 Nobel Prize laureates.

However, the UK’s participation was thrown into uncertainty as negotiations with the EU stumbled over disputes regarding the Northern Ireland protocol. Consequently, the UK found itself excluded from the Horizon project in 2021, resulting in a two-year hiatus in scientific funding and collaborative efforts.

Today’s announcement signifies that the UK has successfully negotiated a tailored agreement with enhanced financial terms for its participation.

Commencing on January 1, 2024, the UK will become an associate member of the program, granting it access to essential funding to drive further scientific research endeavors.

According to reports, the UK will contribute nearly €2.6 billion (£2.2 billion) annually to maintain access to both Horizon Europe and the Copernicus segment of the Space program.

The resumption of the UK’s involvement in Horizon and its renewed access to the Copernicus project mark a significant milestone in international scientific cooperation. It not only underscores the importance of collaboration in the global research community but also reaffirms the UK’s commitment to advancing scientific discovery and innovation on the world stage.