Horizon Europe Grant Funding for Research

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About Horizon Europe

The total budget for the current EU key science funding programme, Horizon Europe, running from 2021 to 2027, is approximately EUR 95.5 billion. By facilitating collaboration between different countries, the programme tackles climate change, helps achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, and boosts the competitiveness and economic growth of the European Union.

There are several new elements in Horizon Europe compared to previous programmes. For example, the European Innovation Council, which provides support for innovations, and a set of five measures known as Missions, which aim to achieve specific goals within a defined timeframe. More information on the Missions can be found here: EU Missions in Horizon Europe - European Commission.

It may also be interesting to explore how the Horizon Europe programme was developed. Further details are available on the European Commission’s webpage: How Horizon Europe was developed - European Commission.

Research policy and practice

Taking a broader view, public policy refers to proposals designed to solve complex societal problems by applying a conceptual approach, as approved by legislation. Research policy is one of the specific areas of public policy.

Research policy encompasses a set of governance measures aimed at investing in research and innovation to improve the lives of citizens, preserve existing democratic social models, address the most pressing societal challenges, and ensure global competitiveness.

Among other objectives, research policy deals with the allocation of resources for research funding to support both basic and applied research. Investment in basic research aims to support the acquisition of more comprehensive knowledge or understanding of a subject. In contrast, allocating public funding for applied research seeks to meet specific needs—such as fostering innovation, addressing issues like inequality, facilitating regional development, and generating jobs and income for society.

A common approach across economically developed countries for supporting research is the allocation of grants to larger consortia, based on competitive calls for proposals. These grants are known as multi-beneficiary collaborative research grants. In this way, the most promising proposals—evaluated according to pre-set criteria such as scientific excellence, expected impact, and quality of project implementation—receive funding for the implementation of proposed research projects.

In addition to policymakers, various administrative bodies are involved in the delivery of specific policies and ensuring the positive impact of allocated funding.

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The UK becomes fully associated to the Horizon Europe programme from January 2024

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Due to Brexit, it has taken quite a while for the UK to associate with the Horizon Europe programme, which officially started in January 2024. For the remainder of the programme, ending in 2027, UK organisations can now participate in Horizon Europe on the same terms as institutions from other EU and Horizon Europe Associated Countries, including leading consortia and receiving EU funding. On 1 January, Belgium officially commenced its six-month Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The main priorities in the area of Research and Innovation include reinforcing the role of research and innovation in society to enhance trust and engagement in science, and to better address societal and environmental challenges. UK researchers have always been leading contributors to EU scientific programmes. Despite delays in association, according to the Horizon Dashboard ( R&I Proposals - Summary | Sheet - Qlik Sense (europa.eu) ), the United Kingdom is in 5th position (as of May 2024) o...
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Links to Horizon Europe and Other EU Funding Resources

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Horizon Europe After Brexit, the UK Government decided to associate only to the Horizon Europe and Copernicus programmes. An agreement between the European Commission and the UK Government was reached in late 2023. According to the agreement, the UK is now associated to the Horizon Europe programme, with the exception of the European Innovation Council Fund. This means that, starting from 1 January 2024, UK organisations, can participate in Horizon Europe calls for proposals on the same terms as institutions from other EU and Horizon Europe Associated Countries. COST UK institutions can participate in COST Actions. COST is an intergovernmental framework consisting of more than 40 countries. The UK is a Full Member of COST, so UK-based researchers and innovators are fully eligible to apply to and participate in COST Actions. This is independent of the UK’s status in Horizon Europe, unless the UK’s membership in COST is changed. Other EU Funding Programmes As of the beginning o...
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