The implications of Brexit on Horizon 2020 until it ends
Rightly so, many UK scientists are first and foremost focused on the more immediate effects of Brexit on acquiring funding for their research. For those considering to apply to the Horizon 2020 funding scheme, its availability to them has suddenly become a cause for concern. But, according to the UK official government policy – the status of UK in Horizon 2020 will largely remain unchanged until the end of 2020.More specifically:
- The vast majority of participants and projects currently funded under the Horizon 2020 funding scheme will remain unaffected for the remaining lifetime of the project. They will continue to participate and receive funds as if the UK were a member state.
- UK scientists will remain eligible for research grants under the current Horizon 2020 funding scheme. This will stay true until the programme ends.
- A very limited number of UK Horizon 2020 projects, which involve access to security-related sensitive information restricted for EU Member States, may be unable to continue.
- Under the EIC Accelerator Pilot (SME Instrument) - UK companies can only apply for the grant component and cannot ask for equity investment from the EU (i.e. blended finance option).