more money for our clients?7 Apr 2023 07:35
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/scientists-locked-out-of-eu-research-after-brexit-offered-uk-alternative-8thb58pkt?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Best%20of%20Times%20-%20Friday%207th%20April%202023&utm_term=audience_BEST_OF_TIMES
Ministers have unveiled plans to tackle the “moonshot” challenges of the 21st century in a £14 billion programme that could replace scientific co-operation with the European Union.
In an attempt to reassure scientists about the future of British research after Brexit the government has developed a bespoke funding plan that would replace the EU’s Horizon scheme.
Negotiations on association to Horizon have been on hold because of disputes over Northern Ireland. However, while that barrier has been lifted, ministers are determined not to join “at any price” and fear that the scheme may no longer provide value for money. If they are not able to negotiate an acceptable deal with Brussels the new Pioneer programme would be the principal funding mechanism for UK scientific research.
Under the plan, the government would commit not just to fund academic scientific research and international collaboration but also work in areas such as quantum physics, engineering biology and green energy. Funding would also be made available to update scientific infrastructure with new laboratories and infrastructure not currently funded by Horizon Europe.
There would be money for institutions to attract international scientific talent, from PhDs for scientists at the start of their careers, to research fellowships for experts in their field.
The government said that, unlike Horizon, the new programme would be focused on areas where Britain could make the biggest impact, with a particular focus on agrifood and climate change adaptation — where the UK is already strong.
They added that Pioneer would also be more flexible than Horizon, allowing the government to match investments from industry and develop partnerships not just within Europe but other countries around the world.
They also claimed that UK scientists would receive at least as much funding as under Horizon and potentially £3 billion more depending on the terms of the deal with the EU. “Under Pioneer, all our funding would go to UK scientists and innovators,” Michelle Donelan, the science secretary, said. “With this level of investment, Pioneer would supercharge our mission to cement and enhance our position as a science and tech superpower.”
One senior Whitehall source said that while Rishi Sunak “instinctively” favoured the opportunities of creating a bespoke scheme he was also aware that it would take time to develop and that readmission to Horizon would be a political “win” before the next election.
Sign In
Follow the stocks
