“The best science is collaborative, and the best collaborative science happens through EU framework programmes.”
This perspective of Prof. Rory Fitzgerald, Director of the European Social Survey ERIC, was provided as the UK’s new participation in Horizon Europe, officially launched yesterday, February 12th 2024. It is excellent news for the ERIC Forum since the Second Implementation Project for the ERIC Forum is a Horizon Europe program, and at least two of its fundamental members directly involve researchers from the UK.
Prof. Fitzgerald is not the only one who has commented on the event. The Instruct-ERIC Coordination Team, in the person of Harald Schwalbe, Claudia Alen Amaro, and Natalie Haley, also has spoken:
“At Instruct-ERIC, we are delighted that the UK has rejoined Horizon Europe – the move is crucial to ensure that science throughout Europe can work and progress together.”
Thanks to the 2023 agreement between the European Commission and the UK, British researchers and organisations will be able to participate in Horizon Europe on par with their counterparts in EU Member States and will have access to Horizon Europe funding.
Ilana Ivanova, EU Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth met Ms Michelle Donelan, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology of the United Kingdom at the event. Ivanova said:
“My message to British researchers and innovative businesses is simple and clear: Apply! Thousands have succeeded before, joining forces with European partners, advancing science, boosting academic careers and business growth. I look forward to seeing many more UK beneficiaries in the Horizon Europe programme in years to come.”
In the gallery below, you can find the full quotations of the Director of the European Social Survey ERIC and the Instruct-ERIC Coordination Team. These were provided ahead of the launch event.
