This open letter to the UK research and development (R&D) sector from the Minister for Science, Research and Innovation, accompanies the announcement of a guarantee to provide a financial safety net for successful UK applicants to Horizon Europe, while the government continues to push to formalise our association as soon as possible.

The government’s priority remains association to Horizon Europe. To provide reassurance to the sector and their European partners during the current delays, the government has guaranteed funding for the first wave of eligible, successful applicants to Horizon Europe who are unable to sign grant agreements with the EU.

In this letter, the Minister reiterates the UK’s commitment to association, but also sets out his priorities for supporting the sector in all scenarios - including where association proves not possible.