UK rejoining Horizon Europe sparks recovery in research participation, report finds

A new analysis from Universities UK International (UUKi), the international branch of the conference of rectors of British universities, has revealed that the UK’s formal association with Horizon Europe has successfully reversed a decade-long downward trend in the country's participation in EU research projects.

The report, published on 27/05/2026 and titled 'Realising our potential: UK participation in Horizon Europe', highlights that 2024 marked a "clear recovery" in both award numbers and total funding received, following years of decline after the 2016 referendum on leaving the EU.

The data shows that 2024 was the first year since 2016 to see a significant upturn in UK performance in Horizon Europe projects. Key figures illustrating this rebound include:

• Funding share: The UK’s share of total programme funding plummeted from a high of 15.9% in 2015 to just 4% in 2023. Following association in January 2024, this figure jumped to 8.8%.
• Project involvement: The proportion of Horizon projects involving at least one UK partner rose from 24.1% in 2023 to 27.1% in 2024.
• University…