UK Government commits to funding EU research projects after Brexit
pharmafile | August 15, 2016 | News story | Manufacturing and Production, Research and Development | brexit, research
Chancellor Phillip Hammond has outlined a government commitment to guarantee EU funding for British research projects made before Britain leaves the EU, even if they continue for several years afterwards.
The Treasury stated that it would underwrite funding for UK participants in the €80 billion Horizon 2020 research programme for the duration of Britain’s EU membership; the UK has won 15.5% of the fund while contributing 12%.
Scientists have welcomed the move, which comes as part of The Treasury’s commitment to funding British business and universities in the wake of the Brexit vote in an attempt to quell uncertainties over the fate of EU research projects, some of which are set to continue for five or more years.
Sir Venki Ramakrishnan, president of Britain’s senior scientific body the Royal Society, responded: “By ensuring that UK-based researchers will remain funded for the full duration of any EU grant that is awarded during the upcoming negotiations, this measure removes the uncertainty in the funding status of UK-based researchers. It will thus ensure that European colleagues can confidently collaborate with UK-based researchers, who can also participate fully in European research programmes.”
Others were more cautious in their reaction. Dame Anne Glover, vice-principal at the University of Aberdeen, said that the move “may provide confidence among our EU collaborators that our involvement in proposals will not compromise the success of applications and that is welcome. The research community needs to continue pressure to ensure this commitment is fully honoured.”
Mike Galsworthy, project director of the pressure group Scientists for the EU noted: “Although high-sounding it’s actually the bare minimum, stated grandly. These are reassurances UK partners can show to EU collaborators. We now need the European Commission to detail how it will monitor and prevent discrimination on evaluations.”
Matt Fellows
Related Content
Drug discovery and development partnership announced between Apollo Therapeutics and Oxford University
Portfolio therapeutics company Apollo Therapeutics has announced earlier this week that it will provide capital …
Bayer and Aignostics to collaborate for AI oncology research
Bayer and Aignostics have announced that they have entered into a strategic collaboration for several …
BMS shares new research and development plans at the company’s R&D day
Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) recently held a Research and Development (R&D) Day in New York, …
