The Horizon Europe guarantee funding has gone to UK-based researchers, innovators and businesses tackling everything from studying bacteria in waters to artificial intelligence (AI) combating drug trafficking.
The milestone reflects the UK’s commitment to maintaining its role in global research and innovation, as well as ambitions for an improved and ambitious relationship with European partners. Britain is always stronger when we work with others.
Delivered by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) on behalf of the Department for Science Innovation and Technology, The Horizon Europe guarantee has been providing comprehensive support to UK researchers and businesses since November 2021. Launched while the UK was in the process of associating to the programme, it covers all research disciplines.
Unwavering commitment to scientific excellence
Science Minister, Lord Patrick Vallance, said:
This is a significant milestone for the UK that demonstrates our unwavering commitment to scientific excellence and international collaboration. The diverse range of projects that have been chosen to receive funding under the Horizon Europe guarantee highlights the incredible potential of UK researchers and innovators to address global challenges and shape a better future.
Professor Christopher Smith, UKRI International Champion, commented:
The achievements made possible through the Horizon Europe guarantee underscore the importance of international collaboration in tackling the world’s most pressing challenges. Thanks to the vital support of the European Research Council, UKRI has been able to underwrite all grants which were selected for funding in ERC competitions.
The Horizon Europe guarantee has been crucial in enabling our researchers to continue their work in collaboration with international partners, ensuring that the UK fosters strong relationships with our European counterparts.
As we celebrate this milestone, we look forward to deepening our partnerships and driving forward our shared goals in science and innovation.
Addressing global challenges
The success of the guarantee scheme is evident. With over 4,000 grants verified, UK researchers have been able to participate in groundbreaking research and partner with colleagues across Europe and beyond.
These collaborations are crucial in addressing many of today’s global challenges, including climate change, public health and technological advancement.
Examples include:
- supporting efforts to stop drug trafficking
- using AI to support patients with Parkinson’s disease
- studying antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in coastal waters
- studying the potential health implications of the Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields used by 5G
- the impact of deepfakes on human rights accountability in legal proceedings
ARIEN
West Yorkshire Combined Authority, in collaboration with EU partners, is at the forefront of developing AI tools to combat illegal drug production and trafficking.
NavigAIt
Stroll Limited is pioneering an AI-powered augmented reality application poised to transform the daily lives of millions living with Parkinson’s disease.
GOLIAT
As 5G begins to shape our digital landscape, understanding its implications is critical. GOLIAT investigates the possible health effects of Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields exposure, particularly from 5G.
TRUE
Swansea University’s project examines the trustworthiness of user-generated evidence in legal contexts, with a focus on the impact of deepfakes on human rights accountability processes.
BlueAdapt
Involving the University of Exeter and Bangor University, this project focuses on protecting human health by studying the impacts of climate change on pathogens and antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in coastal waters and developing effective adaptation tools.
Events for the research and innovation community
Launching this winter, UKRI will also be hosting a series of events for the research and innovation community celebrating and promoting the ongoing collaboration between the UK and the EU. The events will showcase achievements and future opportunities in collaborative research and innovation.
As of today, UKRI has verified over 4,000 grants for awards of over £2 billion. UKRI encourages researchers and innovators across the UK to actively participate in Horizon Europe projects. The opportunities garnered by the programme are critical for driving groundbreaking research and fostering international collaboration.
Further information
The £2 billion milestone is the total amount of funding committed by UKRI to the projects that have been issued their grant offer letters. This funding will be spent over the lifetime of these projects, paid by UKRI in regular intervals as set out in the Horizon Europe guarantee guidance.
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