Major research funding opportunity – EU Horizon scheme
20 Oct 2023
Researchers are encouraged to get ready to participate in Horizon schemes and funding calls
You may recall the welcome news that the UK government and the European Commission had reached an agreement, and the UK would join the EU’s £85 billion science research programmes, Horizon Europe and Copernicus programmes.
Professor Colette Fagan, Vice-President for Research, says: “I am delighted that Association to Horizon Europe has been agreed. This agreement opens up significant research funding and collaboration opportunities. The University has a great track record of success under previous calls to build upon.
“Liz Fay, our EU Funding and Development Manager and our Faculty research services team have the expertise to support the development of your application. I encourage all researchers to find out more about the opportunities for advancing their own research and to consider making an application.”
The UK will officially associate to Horizon Europe as of 1 January 2024 once the relevant protocol is signed. UK organisations and researchers are able to apply for the vast majority of Horizon calls, and UK researchers will be able to lead consortia in the next round of Horizon Europe projects.
This agreement will be a significant boost for the University’s world-leading research and researchers and will give UK companies and research institutions unrivalled opportunities to lead global work to develop new technologies and research projects, in areas from health to AI.
The University has had exceptional success in Horizon Europe throughout the transition phase via the UK government’s guarantee funding scheme. We have had 93 funded projects, 18 European Research Council, 12 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Individual Fellowships, 10 MSCA Doctoral Networks, MSCA Staff Exchanges and funding to maintain dozens of networks.
Researchers are encouraged to build on this track record and to apply to the different Horizon schemes and funding calls that are available. Staff within the Directorate of Research and Business Engagement are available to support researchers with bid applications for 2023 and 2024.
For information on the different deadlines and schemes currently available, please visit:
Note that the UK government chose not to associate to Euratom Research and Training Programme, and instead will put in place a suite of alternative Research and Development programmes to support the UK’s flourishing fusion sector and strengthen international collaboration in support of the UK Fusion Strategy. The government plans to invest up to £650 million until 2027, subject to business case approvals. Further details will be announced in due course.
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has advised us that researchers should continue to plan for involvement in Euratom calls, as many will be covered by a similar funding guarantee to that which covered the transition phase for Horizon Europe.
For clarification on applying for Euratom calls, please visit:
For further information, contact Liz Fay, EU Funding and Development Manager via email at: