UK Rejoins EU’s Horizon Science Research Programme: After a two-year post-Brexit standoff regarding science funding, the United Kingdom has decided to rejoin the European Union’s Horizon science research programme. Following the resolution of a trade dispute seven months ago, this step is considered as a significant development in bilateral relations between the UK and the EU.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: September 2023
Rejoining Horizon and Improved Financial Terms:
The UK’s decision to rejoin the Horizon science research programme marks a positive step forward in its relationship with the EU. The office of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak declared the successful negotiation of “improved financial terms of association” with the Horizon project, a key EU initiative for funding scientific research.
Association with Copernicus and Exclusion of Euratom:
In addition to rejoining Horizon, the UK has also chosen to associate with the European earth observation programme, Copernicus. The UK, on the other hand, will not join in the EU’s Euratom nuclear research programme. Instead, the United Kingdom has chosen to pursue a homegrown fusion energy strategy.
Brexit Trade Agreement and Access to EU Science Programs:
This decision is in line with the Brexit trade agreement signed at the end of 2020, which allowed the UK access to various EU science and innovation programs, including Horizon. However, the EU initially barred Britain’s participation due to a disagreement over post-Brexit trade arrangements pertaining to Northern Ireland. The resolution of this dispute in February paved the way for the UK to rejoin Horizon Europe.
Funding and Compensation Mechanism:
One of the key points of negotiation was how much the UK needed to pay to rejoin Horizon, considering it had missed two years of the seven-year program. Under the agreement, the UK will not be required to pay for the period it was frozen out. Furthermore, a “clawback” mechanism has been devised to recompense the United Kingdom if British scientists receive much less funding than the United Kingdom government contributes.
Benefits for Collaborations and Scientific Research:
Leading universities in the UK, such as Oxford and Imperial College London, have expressed their support for this agreement. They believe it will make it easier to collaborate on crucial global issues. Scientists are optimistic that collaboration with European colleagues will resume after the forced hiatus, potentially leading to innovative research and innovation.
