Horizon Europe

Cardiff University academics are set to regain access to the world’s largest research programme following a deal struck by the UK Government.

UK researchers will be able to apply for grants and bid to take part in projects under the Horizon Europe programme.

Horizon offers unique opportunities to lead global work to develop new technologies and research projects across the social, physical and biological sciences.

The deal has been warmly welcomed, with the University’s research community being urged to take full advantage of the renewed funding opportunities.

“Association with Horizon Europe is tremendous news for our academics and for UK science, research and innovation as a whole,” according to Cardiff University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Wendy Larner.

“The last couple of years has seen a period of relative uncertainty, which has been frustrating - especially as Cardiff has led and been inextricably involved in many Horizon projects in the past.

“The scale of research supported by Horizon Europe will improve lives and help tackle the shared environmental, economic, and social challenges we face. The Horizon programme is unrivalled in its scope and opens up a world of opportunity for cooperation on research.”

Previous Cardiff-led projects have included mapping the human brain, developing clean energy solutions and tackling climate change.

One such project was Horizon 2020 funded DOWN2EARTH project, led by Professor Michael Singer. Discussed at COP27, the project brought together partners from across Europe to examine the real-world impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities in the Horn of Africa Drylands (HAD).

Under the deal the UK will also associate to Copernicus - the European Earth Observation programme.

This will provide the UK’s earth observation sector with access to unique data – valuable to helping with early flood and fire warnings, for example – and with the ability to bid for contracts, which they haven’t been able to access for three years.

Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Enterprise, Professor Roger Whitaker added: “This announcement gives the certainty and stability needed for our research community. I know we have the knowledge to play a leading role in Horizon Europe once again. They are raring to go and renew relationships with our European partners. We are also ready to work to make the most of Horizon’s opportunities."