The guarantee scheme aims to protect funding for UK researchers, businesses, and innovators, the UK has said. It means successful UK Horizon Europe applicants will be covered for calls that close on or before 31 December 2022, with the majority of grant signature dates expected before the end of August 2023.

Westminster says it is continuing to encourage the EU to formalise UK association, but released a set of contingency plans in July to be implemented if association is not possible.

After the guarantee for the second wave of Horizon in March, the third wave extension will “give UK researchers and innovators welcome reassurance that they can continue to apply for grants, and helps to plug the gap while keeping the window for UK association open”, Joanna Burton, policy manager at the Russell Group, said.

Acting director at Universities UK International, Jamie Arrowsmith, added that the extension is a “very welcome development”.

“While the UK continues to push for association to Horizon Europe, the guarantee provides assurances to all researchers based in the UK that they can continue to apply to calls with the certainty that funding for successful projects is secure,” he noted.

“The guarantee provides assurances to all researchers based in the UK”

UUKi has been a key partner in the Stick to Science initiative calling for an “open and collaborative research and innovation landscape” across Europe.

“The UK government has made clear that full participation in Horizon Europe remains its priority,” Burton added.

“We hope the formal consultations process will see constructive engagement from the EU so we can find a solution that will unlock the enormous benefits of UK association to scientists and researchers on both sides of the channel.”