Correspondence

EU programmes: open letter on a package of immediate investment for the UK’s R&D sector

Minister for Science, Research and Innovation, George Freeman, writes an open letter on targeted investment to support UK research while the UK awaits association with EU programmes.

• From: Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, and George Freeman MP
• Published: 21 November 2022

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EU programmes: package of immediate investment for the UK's R&D sector

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The government will provide a package of up to £484 million in targeted investment to provide immediate funding to the UK R&D sector to:

• shore up talent
• invest in R&D infrastructure
• secure the UK fusion sector’s commercial leadership and capabilities

The delay by the EU in finalising the UK’s association to the EU programmes, Horizon Europe, Euratom and Fusion for Energy, has caused significant uncertainty for the UK R&D sector.

Association remains our preference, but our top priority is to invest in the UK’s R&D sector now. We cannot wait forever to invest through association.

The funding will:

• support staff retention and local talent strategies at eligible universities and research organisations
• ensure the UK’s labs remain world class and at the cutting edge of R&D
• offer universities and research organisations the discretion to apply the funding in ways that best suit their local needs.

Read the press release.

Published 21 November 2022