Director of Universities UK, Vivienne Stern said:

“Huge news! An absolutely excellent day. UK joins Horizon Europe under a new bespoke deal. I want to thank and congratulate Rishi Sunak, Michelle Donelan and George Freeman MP for securing this deal. It is great for the UK research system but also for the whole of the UK.”

President of the Royal Academy of Engineering, Professor Sir Jim McDonald FREng FRSE said:

“We are delighted with this excellent news. The strong preference of the Academy and the wider global research and innovation community has always been for the UK to associate with Horizon Europe, and we congratulate all those whose careful negotiations have confirmed the agreement and whose commitment to investment in innovation makes it possible.

“The whole engineering community – including business, industry and academia – will celebrate the announcement of continued partnership between the UK and EU. Engineering plays a vital role in addressing our critical global challenges, and this welcome development will enable essential international collaboration for the common good.”

CEO of the British Academy, Hetan Shah said:

“And here it is. Excellent news – the confirmation that we are to associate to the Horizon Europe programme. Great news for all UK research especially humanities and social sciences which have always done very well.”

President of the British Academy, Professor Julia Black PBA said:

“This is fantastic news. We are delighted to see that association has now been finalised; it is the announcement the whole higher education and research community has been waiting for.

“Associating to Horizon Europe provides both UK researchers and our international partners with the certainty and stability they have been seeking, enabling them to participate in the largest international collaborative research fund in the world.

“All of us in the research and innovation community must now drive forward UK participation in Horizon Europe, particularly in the humanities and social sciences, working with counterparts elsewhere in Europe and globally to forge the exciting and fruitful collaborations and partnerships that Horizon Europe enables us to deliver over the long term.”

President of the Royal Society, Sir Adrian Smith said:

“Our association to Horizon Europe is fantastic news, not just for the UK but for scientists across the EU and for all the people of Europe.

“Science has so much to offer in terms of tackling global challenges and improving lives. Today the Government and the EU have given that a big boost.

“Science is all about international collaboration and association is a big win. It allows us to continue to build on decades of collaborative research with our European partners and step up our global collaborations too to keep us as a nation at the forefront of science and innovation.”

Executive Director at the Academy of Medical Sciences, Simon Denegri said:

“Delighted that the Prime Minister has today announced we are associating to Horizon Europe. Congratulations and thank you to our community on its Herculean collective effort in making the case and never giving up.”

Sir Paul Nurse, Director of the Francis Crick Institute said:

“I am thrilled to finally see that partnerships with EU scientists can continue. This is an essential step in re-building and strengthening our global scientific standing. Thank you to the huge number of researchers in the UK and across Europe who, over many years, didn’t give up on stressing the importance of international collaboration for science.”

Janet Valentine, ABPI Executive Director, Innovation and Research Policy said:

“Joining the Horizon Europe programme is a huge win for the scientific research community, who have been pushing for resolution over the past few years. UK innovation and research depends on international collaborations which are crucial for driving advancements in all areas of science, including the discovery and early development of new medicines and vaccines.
“The UK accession to Horizon enables the two sides to reinvigorate their longstanding partnership in R&D, and directly contributes to UK growth and competitiveness in the life sciences sector by making the UK an attractive destination for talented researchers.”

CEO of the Royal Society of Chemistry, Helen Pain said:

“We wholeheartedly welcome the news that GOVUK and the EU Commission have reached an agreement on the UK’s association to Horizon Europe and Copernicus. After years of pushing for this outcome, it’s fantastic it has been reached. Our community has benefitted extensively from previous programmes and so we expect association to Horizon Europe to be extremely welcome and beneficial for our chemical sciences community. It will enable productive chemical sciences collaborations to help us tackle some of the biggest challenges of our time, from improving health to tackling climate change. To make the most of this opportunity, we urge researchers and innovators apply to the upcoming grant calls – we will be working with others across the sector to encourage applications. Over the coming months, we will continue to engage with DSIT and work with colleagues across the sector to ensure the transition to association is a smooth as possible.”

The Royal Society of Biology said:

“The RSB has been pressing the government to associate with Horizon Europe and is delighted with this outcome. This decision will benefit UK science, society and economic growth. Bioscience holds potential solutions for many critical challenges from biodiversity loss through climate change to disease control and food security. UK & EU biologists will once again have access to the enormous benefits of collaboration that the Horizon programme brings.”

Chief Executive of the Institute of Physics, Tom Grinyer said:

“The agreement to join Horizon is incredibly welcome and ends a period of real and damaging uncertainty for the UK science community.

“As the Institute of Physics has long highlighted Horizon association brings unparalleled opportunities backed by funding for collaboration – it is best for science, best for business and innovation, and best for the UK.

“Now we need to look at the details and get on with the hard work of making up for lost time in joint projects, collaboration and innovating with our European partners.”

Dr Nick Walkden, UK Director of the Fusion Industry Association said:

“The Fusion Industry Association welcomes the U.K. Government’s ambitious new £650m programme for fusion development and commercialisation as an alternative to Euratom association.  The Government’s proposed alternative programme will be ambitious, exciting, and commercially focussed, representing a unique opportunity and an effective use of public funds at a critical time in the effort to develop and deploy fusion energy. We therefore welcome today’s announcement and look forward to a rapid adoption of the UK Government programme of alternative interventions as soon as possible.”

Chair of the UK Space Trade Association, John Hanley said:

“We welcome this Horizon Europe news. We have a strong track record within Copernicus, with UK industry securing valuable contracts that have delivered jobs and growth across the country whilst unlocking a better understanding of our planet.”

Director of Research & Head of Education & Science at the Policy Exchange, Iain Mansfield said:

“Superb news that the UK will be rejoining Horizon Europe. Science has always known no borders. This renewed partnership is good for Britain, good for Europe and good for the world. A triumph for Michelle Donelan to secure this on such positive terms.”

Professor Tara Spires-Jones, President of the British Neuroscience Association said:

“There is a huge amount of relief in the neuroscience community today at the news that the UK will join Horizon Europe as an associate member. The delays have undoubtedly had impacts on the UK’s ability to lead international collaborations in neuroscience, which we will have to work hard to repair. An open and inclusive European Research Area is essential for neuroscience collaboration, and we
look forward to UK neuroscientists seizing the opportunities ahead.”

Tech UK said:

“This is fantastic news, paving the way for new opportunities for the UK’s science sector and tech innovation.”

Executive Director of Start-up Coalition, Dom Hallas said:

“This is very positive news.”

Co-founder of the Founders Forum, and founder of two unicorns, Brent Hoberman said:

“UK rejoins EU horizon research programme. Good news to highlight!”

Professor, Sarah Main, Executive Director of the Campaign for Science & Engineering, CaSE said:

“What wonderful news! This news will bring a burst of joy to UK science and will provide the foundation for long-lasting economic, health and technological value to the UK.

“The many organisations that lead with science and research in the UK, including big business, start-ups, universities and health charities, will be delighted with this news.

“With this renewed certainty, scientists and engineers across the UK and Europe can now accelerate their ideas and collaborations, which drive the economy and improves the lives and livelihoods of people everywhere.

“Congratulations to all who have worked so hard to secure this deal over the last few years.”

VC Professor, Irene Tracey at the University of Oxford said:

“It is terrific to see UK researchers back at the heart of the world’s largest collaborative research programme. Everyone stands to gain from the new Horizon deal, which will facilitate increased opportunities for international collaboration on setting the scientific agenda, powering fresh discoveries and breakthroughs on issues affecting us all, including disease, climate change and AI.”

UCL President & Provost, Dr Michael Spence, said:

“Today’s announcement on the UK’s association to Horizon Europe and Copernicus is a cause for celebration on both sides of the channel.

“Association to Horizon Europe will enable research which makes a positive difference to people’s lives, supporting vital research networks and strengthening the UK’s position as an attractive destination for talent.

“We are grateful to the UK Government and to the European Commission for their efforts to secure a deal, and to the many members of our community who have advocated for this outcome.

“As one of Europe’s most internationally collaborative universities, the UCL community is well-placed to take full advantage of the opportunities association offers by continuing to lead collaborative, innovative research projects which tackle the world’s most pressing challenges.”

Professor Geraint Rees, UCL Vice-Provost (Research, Innovation & Global Engagement), said:

“The announcement of Horizon Europe accession is wonderful news for researchers across the UK and throughout Europe, allowing them the opportunity to work together to help solve some of the greatest challenges facing humanity. At UCL our researchers have continued to win European grants over the last two years thanks to the Government’s Horizon Europe Guarantee, but this excellent news will now give our researchers even more opportunity to lead, collaborate and partner with the best researchers and universities in Europe to deliver outcomes that transform the lives of UK citizens.”

The Vice-Provost of research & enterprise at Imperial, Mary Ryan said:

“Excellent news that the UK rejoins our partners in European research Collaboration is more important than ever to secure a safe, sustainable and healthy future.”

The Queen Mary University of London said:

“Queen Mary welcomes the confirmation that the UK is rejoining Horizon. Great news for our world-leading research community.”

President of UUK, Professor Dame Sally Mapstone said:

“The entire research community, within our universities and beyond, will be delighted at the news that an agreement has been reached. Overcoming the obstacles to association was no small feat and we are grateful to the government and the commission for their perseverance to secure this successful outcome.

“Horizon Europe has been the basis of scientific collaboration for over 30 years. From early detection of ovarian cancer to developing clean energy networks involving dozens of universities and many industrial partners, Horizon lets us do things that would not be possible without that scale of collaboration.

“Allowing our scientists to work together, irrespective of borders, is in all of our interests. Our universities will now do everything possible to ensure the UK rapidly bounces back towards previous levels of participation and is able to secure genuine value, delivering the wealth of research opportunities available.”

The Academy of Medical Sciences, the British Academy, the Royal Academy of Engineering, and the Royal Society have issued a joint statement on the UK’s association to Horizon Europe said:

“This is a great day for researchers in the UK and across Europe. The Horizon programme is a beacon of international collaboration and UK-based academic and industrial researchers will now be back at the heart of that.

“Research is vital to tackling the key problems we face, from global challenges such as climate change to driving productivity growth and creating new jobs locally. Our involvement in Horizon Europe will make the UK stronger and is a big win for global research and innovation.”

Michelle Mitchell, Chief Executive of Cancer Research UK, said:

“Horizon Europe association is overwhelmingly in the best interests of cancer patients and scientists, and it is great news for cancer research that agreement has finally been reached between the UK and EU.

“There will be relief throughout the research community that the uncertainty of the last two and a half years has come to an end. Nearly three quarters of respondents to our survey of cancer researchers cited funding from the EU as important for their work, showing how crucial Horizon Europe association is for the future of cancer research.

“We hope that this deal paves the way for the UK’s ongoing participation in future European research programmes. It is essential that the European Commission, the UK Government and UK research funders work with urgency to rebuild the strong position the UK occupied in the Horizon programme, and get funds and global collaboration flowing again into our research institutions.”

Dame Professor Angela McLean, Government Chief Scientific Adviser said:

“This is great news for UK science and technology. International collaboration is a vital part of a thriving science ecosystem and association with the Horizon programme bolsters our plans to secure our status as a science and technology superpower.”

Chief Executive of the Russell Group, Dr Tim Bradshaw said:

“Association to Horizon Europe is tremendous news for UK science, research and innovation. We are delighted that a good deal has been struck, so all credit to the negotiating teams who have been working hard behind the scenes to get this over the line.

“This deal is a true win-win for everyone. The scale of research supported by Horizon Europe will help deliver medical breakthroughs, new technologies, and advances in areas such as AI to improve all our lives and help tackle the shared environmental, economic, and social challenges we face.

“The research community on both sides of the Channel are raring to go and will spare no effort in making our association a success. Universities have plans in place to get researchers to apply and our partner universities and businesses across the EU – and in other associated countries – are eager to work with our institutions. We will be ready to work with Government and the Commission to make the most of Horizon’s opportunities from day one and beyond into its successor.”

John Hanley, Chair of the UKspace trade body, said:

“UKspace welcomes the news that the UK is reassociating with the EU Copernicus and Horizon Programmes. We have a strong track record within Copernicus with UK industry securing valuable contracts that have delivered jobs and growth across the country whilst unlocking a better understanding of our planet. We look forward to working with the Government to capitalise quickly on this agreement and identify the actions needed to build upon the UK’s national Earth Observation initiatives to ensure that industry can once more take a leading role in the largest multi-lateral EO Programme in the world.”

Grazia Vittadini, Chief Technology Officer for Rolls-Royce, said:

“Horizon Europe has had a significant impact on Aerospace technologies and in helping Rolls-Royce remain at the forefront of technological advancement. We greatly welcome the UK’s return to the Horizon Europe programme, and look forward to going further and doing more, leveraging public-private partnership to continue driving world-leading innovation and competitiveness.”

Dr Diana Beech, Chief Executive Officer, London Higher said:

“The confirmation that the UK will rejoin Horizon Europe is welcome news for universities across London, the UK’s top ranked innovation cluster. The wait to associate to Horizon may have been lengthy but worthwhile, as today’s announcement shores up the future of research, innovation and higher education across the United Kingdom.

“With the assurance of association, London’s higher education and research community now has a renewed sense of purpose and optimism that London can reach its true potential as a research powerhouse. Association is both a recognition of the value we bring to the international scientific community and the acknowledgment that we are still very much a part of a global network of knowledge-sharing and innovation.

“Our universities now have the certainty and stability needed to continue powering the engine of UK innovation and to build connectivity across the regions as we seek to level up across the country and make the UK a global science superpower. We are committed to working collaboratively with our European partners, leveraging our collective expertise to drive innovation, support research excellence, and build a brighter future for all.”

Professor Paul Stewart FMedSci, Academy of Medical Sciences Vice President, Clinical, said:

“Today marks a pivotal moment for UK science. After a hiatus, the scientific community is celebrating the tremendous news that we are once more part of the EU’s flagship funding programme.

“By associating to Horizon Europe, we now have the commitment and momentum to drive forward the Government’s vision for an innovative, high growth future and are well placed to support the diverse and highly skilled research talent that underpins our life sciences sector.

“Health research is an international endeavour, it relies on supporting the best ideas, but also on creating cross-border networks which is good news for the UK, Europe and the rest of the world. Association sends a very strong message that the UK is open for business and remains a prime destination to work on health research and innovation to improve lives.”

UKRI Chief Executive Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser said:

“Today’s agreement on UK association to Horizon Europe is brilliant news.

“The UK has a long track record of mutually beneficial participation in previous EU schemes and this decision enables us to build on those highly successful collaborations to maximise the opportunities membership of Horizon Europe provides.

“UKRI is looking forward to working with our communities and partners to capture the many benefits of Horizon Europe for researchers and businesses.”

John Harrison, Chairman of Airbus UK:

“It is great news that the U.K. will be rejoining Horizon Europe, which is a key funding programme for research and innovation, as well as the Copernicus programme. Having provided many of Copernicus’ critical technologies from the U.K., as well as designing and building the Sentinel 5P satellite in Stevenage, we look forward to contributing to future Copernicus Earth observation missions which play such a key role in understanding and tackling the planet’s changing climate.”

Dr Paul Bate, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency, said:

“The UK has a long history of expertise and innovation in Earth observation, so it is excellent news that we are going to continue our association in the EU part of Copernicus programme. This is a great outcome for our world-leading Earth observation sector, who we have worked closely with to support.

“Participating in Copernicus will enable the UK space sector to continue to play a significant role in the development of critical missions that will enable us to monitor our planet more effectively and lead a global effort through the use of satellite data to find new solutions to the urgent challenge of climate change.”

Ilan Gur, CEO of Advanced Research + Invention Agency said:

“A strong, interconnected scientific ecosystem is the foundation of breakthrough discovery and invention. This is wonderful news — a boost to science innovation not just for the UK but for the world!”

If you would like to contribute your own reaction please email press@dsit.gov.uk