Royal Society President calls for research community to apply for Horizon Europe funding ahead of celebration event

Speaking ahead of the Horizon Europe Celebration Event at the Royal Society in London, and the meeting between European Commissioner for Research and Innovation, Iliana Ivanova, and Secretary of State for Science and Technology, Michelle Donelan MP, Royal Society President, Sir Adrian Smith, said:

“Today’s meeting is a celebration of the value of European collaboration and the power of research and innovation to transform lives for the better around the world.

“Alongside the Royal Society and other national academies, colleagues right across the EU have been steadfast in their support for the UK’s association to Horizon Europe. They value us as a partner, and the excellence, innovation and expertise in our universities and business has a key part to play tackling the global challenges the Horizon Europe programme seeks to address.

“It is vital that we repay that commitment and at today’s meeting at the Royal Society we will hear first-hand the importance of ensuring UK researchers, and the wider R&D sector, grasp the opportunity to apply for these funds and start rebuilding the influential consortia in which we have historically played a leading role.

“Secretary of State Donellan and Commissioner Ivanova have given their joint commitment to rebuilding UK participation in the scheme, and expanding it further to those who have never before considered applying.

“The Royal Society and the whole research and innovation sector stand firmly behind those goals.”