The UK is preparing to unveil its alternative to the EU's Horizon program as the two counterparts fail to agree on the UK's continued participation.

The Russell Group has warned that the window for the UK's association to Europe’s R&D funding scheme, Horizon Europe, is "closing, and closing fast".

A shake-up of visa regulations to attract more top scientists is on the cards for the UK, with the PM announcing he has instructed the Home Office and BEIS to work on a fast-track visa route to be launched later this year.

Members of the House of Lords highlighted the "total uncertainty" ahead for the Erasmus+ and Horizon 2020 programs, while colleagues warned of the implications of a no-deal Brexit, in a debate in the chamber on Monday.

Full association to the next EU framework program should be "plan A" and preventing barriers to mobility for staff and students a priority, the EU Home Affairs Sub-Committee of the House of Lords has heard in an evidence session.

The European Commission has proposed spending €100 billion on research, leading to British organisations outwardly hoping partnerships can survive Brexit.

Switzerland has been allowed back into the EU's Horizon 2020 research programme, opening up negotiations for the country's direct participation in Erasmus+. However, negotiations may be delayed for a year or more.

British businesses and universities have been encouraged to continue to bid for EU funding despite the planned departure of the UK from the EU.