The UK government has reached an agreement to rejoin the European Union’s Horizon Europe scientific research and innovation fund.

The current iteration of the EU €95 billion research and innovation framework programme, which the UK lost access to upon its departure from the EU in 2020, runs from 2021 to 2027.

The government said that Horizon will give UK companies and research institutions “unrivalled opportunities” to lead global work to develop new technologies and research projects, in areas from health to AI.

Horizon is the world’s largest transnational research and innovation programme.

In its statement, the government added that from 7 September, UK researchers would be to apply for grants and bid to take part in projects under the Horizon programme, with certainty that the UK will be participating as a fully associated member for the remaining life of the programme to 2027.

“With a wealth of expertise and experience to bring to the global stage, we have delivered a deal that enables UK scientists to confidently take part in the world’s largest research collaboration programme – Horizon Europe,” said UK prime minister Rishi Sunak.

He continued: "We have worked with our EU partners to make sure that this is right deal for the UK, unlocking unparalleled research opportunities, and also the right deal for British taxpayers.”

Indro Mukerjee, chief executive of the UK’s national innovation agency Innovate UK, said the UK’s move to rejoin Horizon was “great news”.

“The agreement will enable the UK to participate fully in the Horizon Europe programme for research and innovation, and we are ready to maximise the innovation opportunity for our business and research organisations and support them to collaborate with and access European partnerships, supply chains and markets.”

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