UUK welcomes Prime Minister's commitment to next EU research and innovation programme

Universities UK has welcomed the Prime Minister’s comments today that she would like to see the UK associate fully with the EU’s next research and innovation programme.

In a speech today, Theresa May said that ‘the United Kingdom would like the option to fully associate ourselves with the excellence-based European science and innovation programmes – including the successor to Horizon 2020 and Euratom R&T’.

Responding to the speech, Alistair Jarvis, Chief Executive of Universities UK, said: “Universities UK has called for the UK to secure participation, as a full associate country, in the next EU research and innovation programme and the successor Erasmus+ scheme. It was very positive to hear the prime minister confirm that is the government’s intention.

“International collaboration is essential to the success of research and innovation in the UK. The EU research and innovation programme provides a ready-made platform for collaborating with key European partners, including six of the UK’s top 10 research partners.

“It is important that the UK also develops a new immigration policy that supports universities’ ability to attract qualified international students and talented international staff, with minimal barriers.”