Brexit tore apart European science – now the research rifts are healing
2 days ago
- #EU Funding
- #Brexit Impact
- #Research Collaboration
- The UK-EU research relationship is healing a decade after Brexit, highlighted by the UK rejoining Erasmus+ starting in 2027 and increased participation in Horizon Europe funding since 2024.
- Political efforts, including the UK Labour government's 'reset' talks with the EU, aim to strengthen ties, though progress has stalled on issues like a youth mobility scheme.
- UK participation in EU research projects dropped post-Brexit, with funding share falling from 16% in 2015 to 5.8% in 2023, and co-authorship with EU researchers declining from 60% to 52%.
- Since rejoining Horizon Europe, UK funding share rebounded to 9.3% in 2024, though it remains below pre-Brexit levels, and researchers have increased collaborations with East Asia.
- The UK's future in EU research faces challenges, including reduced influence as an associate country and potential restrictions in defense-related funding streams under the next Horizon Europe program.