UK scientists finally granted EU funding post Brexit

For the first time since Brexit, UK-led research projects have secured nearly €80 million in funding through the EU's Horizon programme. This funding marks a significant milestone as UK institutions were previously unable to apply for such grants during the three years following Brexit. The European Research Council (ERC) has published a list of projects that will receive funding, with the UK coming in third place behind Germany and the Netherlands in terms of the number of projects funded. The UK government agreed to pay approximately €2.4 billion annually to the EU for access to Horizon, which has allowed UK researchers to re-enter the competitive funding landscape. The ERC received over 3,000 proposals for the 2024 starting grants, which are aimed at advancing research across various fields, including life sciences, engineering, and social sciences. The projects funded are diverse and specialized, reflecting the cutting-edge nature of the research being conducted. Among the funded projects are initiatives from the University of Essex focusing on social science and stereotypes, as well as research from the University of Edinburgh on developing 'e-skin' technology. Other notable projects include studies on tidal disruption at the University of Birmingham and anti-cancer immunity at the University of Manchester. These projects not only highlight the UK's research capabilities but also its commitment to contributing additional funds to the EU. The return of UK institutions to the Horizon programme is seen as a positive development, with the ERC emphasizing that the increased number of UK applicants will not detract from EU competitors. This collaborative approach is expected to enhance the overall quality of research and innovation within Europe, benefiting both UK and EU institutions alike.