UK joins Horizon Europe under new bespoke deal

Before Brexit, the UK was one of the top contributors to the Horizon Europe programme. However, after Brexit, the UK was frozen out of the fund while tensions flared. This limited access to the program for the UK’s top universities and curtailed collaboration on vital projects. Data from the European Commission shows a massive drop in awards to British science programmes since 2019. That year, €959.3m (£828.8m) went to the UK in 1,364 grants, compared with €22.18m in 192 grants in 2023.

On 7 September 2023, the UK Government announced that the UK has joined Horizon Europe and Copernicus programmes through a new bespoke agreement with the EU. The Prime Minister secured improved financial terms of association that are right for the UK and protect the taxpayer. British scientists are encouraged to apply now for grants and projects with certainty. The UK confirms it will take forward its own fusion energy strategy instead of associating with the Euratom programme. UK scientists will have access to the world’s most extensive research collaboration programme, Horizon Europe, as the Prime Minister secures a bespoke deal with improved financial terms for the UK’s participation. This is a significant step forward for the UK’s innovation and life science sectors.

This deal secures improved financial terms for the UK’s participation and encourages British scientists to apply now for grants and projects with certainty. Moreover, the UK will take forward its fusion energy strategy, demonstrating our commitment to pioneering research and development. This is a monumental moment for the UK, as our scientists can now contribute to Horizon Europe, the world’s most extensive research collaboration programme.

Global Regulatory Services [GRS UK] has worked with several Horizon Europe programs and continues to support Life Science researchers and manufacturers by successfully navigating the complex Regulatory and Quality Compliance Frameworks to successful product commercialisation. Our experts in the UK and EU are here to be your Regulatory Risk Partners for the whole life science industry.

After seeing this update, our Managing Director, Bobby Deal, said, "We are thrilled to hear about the UK's reintegration into the Horizon Europe and Copernicus programs through this bespoke agreement with the EU. This development marks a significant turning point for the UK's life science industry. The improved financial terms for participation and the encouragement for British scientists to apply for grants and projects provide much-needed certainty and support for our sector.

Global Regulatory Services [GRS UK] has been privileged to work with various Horizon Europe programs in the past, supporting life science researchers and manufacturers in navigating complex regulatory compliance issues. With this new agreement, we look forward to continuing our active participation and expanding our role as Regulatory Risk Partners for the entire life science industry.

The UK's commitment to its fusion energy strategy underscores our dedication to pioneering research and development. This monumental moment ensures that our scientists will have access to the world's most extensive research collaboration program, Horizon Europe, further bolstering innovation within the UK's life science sector. We are excited about the possibilities this presents and are ready to support our clients in leveraging these opportunities for their research and development endeavours."

Recalling our past involvement and the launch of our spin-out company Med-Di-Dia, a hub of regulatory and quality compliance support for our clients operating in the EU market, Co-Founder and Director Greer Deal said, "With this congratulatory news, I want to emphasise the importance of the UK's renewed participation in the Horizon Europe and Copernicus programs through this bespoke agreement with the EU. This development signifies a more positive turn in UK-EU relationships and opens up exciting avenues for collaboration and growth in the life science industry.

At Med-Di-Dia, we are able to bridge the gap between UK companies and the EU regulatory landscape. With this announcement, our role becomes even more crucial. We are well-positioned to support UK companies in navigating the intricacies of EU regulations, ensuring seamless communication and compliance.

From an EU perspective, this announcement reaffirms the commitment to collaborative research and innovation on a global scale. It underscores the EU's willingness to engage with the UK, fostering an environment where both sides can benefit from shared expertise and resources. This move is a positive step for the UK and contributes to the broader scientific and regulatory community, promoting innovation and advancements in the life science sector. We look forward to playing our part in facilitating these collaborations and strengthening UK-EU ties."

Global Regulatory Services and Med-Di-Dia bridge the gap between the UK and EU by providing regulatory representation and support services in both territories so that life science companies comply seamlessly with the regulatory and quality compliance requirements. We can help you with