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The UK Joins Horizon Europe

New Opportunities

In a recent and highly anticipated move, the United Kingdom has officially re-joined the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme as a full associate member. This is not just a significant diplomatic step (the UK’s membership had been paused owing to disagreements over the Northern Ireland Protocol), it paves the way for a plethora of new opportunities for UK academics. In this blog post, we will delve into what this means for you and how partnering with Lex Academic can significantly elevate your prospects of securing the coveted funding, whose budget stands at around €95.5 billion.

For those unfamiliar with Horizon, it is the European Commission’s premier research and innovation initiative, and home to the world’s largest multilateral funding pot. Having the UK on board once again means British researchers, scientists, and innovators can collaborate with their European counterparts, tapping into a vast reservoir of shared knowledge, resources, and funding.

While this news is undoubtedly great for science and health, news outlets reporting Horizon as a ‘science research scheme’ are misleading. The scheme is by no means solely dedicated to scientific endeavours. In addition to promoting breakthroughs in fields such as physics, biology, and engineering, Horizon Europe underscores the importance of the humanities and social sciences in understanding societal challenges, cultural dynamics, and human behaviors. By allocating resources and support to these sectors, Horizon Europe recognizes that holistic solutions require a comprehensive approach, blending scientific innovation with insights from history, philosophy, sociology, and other humanities and social sciences. As Hetan Shah, CEO of the British Academy, put it:

the confirmation that we are to associate to the Horizon Europe programme is great news for all UK research, especially humanities and social sciences, which have always done very well.

This integration will undoubtedly usher in:

  1. Increased collaborative research opportunities: With access to a broader network of experts and institutions, British academics can engage in ground-breaking joint projects, merging expertise and driving innovation forward.
  2. Expanded funding: The Horizon programme comes with a substantial financial pool. UK institutions can now apply for and benefit from these funds, facilitating research that may previously have been financially untenable.
  3. Global recognition: Being part of an international initiative of this magnitude will amplify the visibility and recognition of British research on the global stage.

Lex Academic: Your Funding Catalyst 

With abundant opportunities now on the horizon, it is imperative to ensure that your proposals shine. While the opportunities are vast, so is the competition. Every ambitious academic in the EU, along with the UK, will vie for a piece of the funding pie. This is where Lex Academic enters the scene. Here are some ways in which we can boost your chances of funding:

  1. Expert consultation: Our team is well-versed in the intricacies of the Horizon application process. We can guide you through each step, ensuring your application stands out.
  2. Document review: With a keen eye for detail, we will go through your proposals, highlighting and rectifying any inconsistencies, punctuation errors, or instances of passive voice. We’ll offer stronger verb choices, ensure consistent verb tense, and suggest clearer, more concise sentences.
  3. Improving proposal clarity: By suggesting alternative sentence structures and transitions, we’ll ensure your proposal flows seamlessly. Additionally, we’ll identify and remove any superfluous words, making sure every sentence adds value.
  4. Enhancing engagement: Our experts will suggest engaging openings and conclusions, ensuring your proposal captivates from start to finish.
  5. Avoiding repetition: We will highlight any repetitive ideas or language, offering alternative word choices to keep your proposal fresh and unique.

In short, Lex Academic functions as your strategic partner, polishing your proposal to perfection and maximizing your chances of securing Horizon programme funding.

The UK’s return to the EU’s Horizon programme is a monumental stride for the academic community. And if your research goals don’t match up with Horizon Europe’s priorities, make sure to check out all the other funding opportunities available to you via our Research Funding and Grants Database. Lex Academic is here to be your guiding light, providing comprehensive support every step of the way. Reach out to us, and let’s navigate this promising journey towards academic excellence and innovation together.