British universities have made a last- refuse to apply to the European Commission with help save them membership of Horizon Europe funding network, warning that the UK government prepares to abandon £80bn program for compound research projects throughout Europe.
Representatives of UK Universities (UUK) said ministers are ‘at an advanced stage’ of planning alternatives membership of Horizon Europe and other EU countries science program and demanded an urgent meeting between the Vice-Chancellors and Maros Sefcovic, Vice-President of the European Commission.
Professor Paul Boyle, Vice Chancellor of Swansea University said in letter to Šefčović: “Many of our members reported that their researchers were forced to leave research consortiums that work on projects that will have a tangible positive impact on European and global prosperity, like improving climate data and addressing food security in South of the Sahara.
“The situation is getting worse every day as uncertainty drags on”.
Vice chancellors were frustrated by the 17-month delay in end of cooperation with Horizon Europe membership, while the UK government may announce soon decision refuse membership.
boyle, writing on on behalf of of UK universities have stated that failure to provide place “it would be a loser for health, wealth and well-being and would do a disservice future generations in Europe and beyond.
UK partner membership of Horizon Europe has been proposed as part of of in post-Brexit trade deal agreed in December 2020. But the EU has postponed its final decision while dispute over Northern Ireland protocol not resolved.
Sign up on First Edition, our free daily newsletter – every weekday morning at 7:00 am Moscow time.
BUT government the spokesman said it was “extremely disappointing” that the EU was postponing EU accession. network for political reasons.
“If the UK fails to associate soonand also in good time to do full use of opportunities they offer, we will present a comprehensive alternative to promote global science, research and innovative collaboration,” the spokesperson said.
While ministers can replace lost funding, not membership UK scientists and institutions can no longer lead projects funded by the EU Flagship Programme.
The EU has begun to notify British scientists that they cannot hold senior positions in projects, while the status of the UK remains uncertain. It is reported by The Guardian. last month that university of Cambridge astrophysicist loses lead role in £2.4bn European Space Agency project.
In his role like uuk research and innovation lead Boyle wrote: “We believe we are close to an abyss founded on in information we have recently received from UK government. Them view this value-for-money case for The UK Association is weakening every day that the UK left waiting for the agreement must be confirmed.
“We believe that decision It would be possible to abandon the association as early as June. One day decision withdraw from participation in Europe’s horizon has been taken, we expect it to be gone possible back to association.
“As a valuable European ally, we would like to like to draw your attention to gravity of situation and request an appointment with UK vice chancellors to explain in more detailed information just how this threat is immediate and serious.”
Vivien Stern, head of Universities UK International said vital research should not be endangered by a dispute over Northern Ireland.
“It’s an act of political self-mutilation to sacrifice European cooperation with United Kingdom. The science should not be used as a political trump card and we run out of time for so that everyone understands it,” Stern said.
