New longitudinal analysis from Universities UK International (UUKi) shows that 2024 – the first year of UK association to Horizon Europe – stands out as the only year since 2016 to show a significant reversal in the long-term trend of declining UK awards and funding. But the report also warns that momentum must be maintained and built upon, with work still to do in key areas.
The report, Realising our potential: UK participation in Horizon Europe, presents longitudinal analysis of the UK's participation in the European Union’s (EU's) framework programmes – Horizon 2020 (2014–20) and Horizon Europe (2021–27) – supplemented by survey findings and case studies from UUKi members.
The data shows a clear recovery in 2024 across funding received, the number of projects UK organisations were involved in, and the total number of participations from UK organisations. Universities account for 67% of all UK participations in 2024 – up from 65% at the end of Horizon 2020 – showing that universities have bounced back well from the non-association period.
The UK has recovered strongly in Pillar I, with a return to leading in excellent, curiosity-led research through the European Research Council (ERC) and talent attraction and training through the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA).
The UK’s funding share in Pillar I increased from 8% to nearly 14% between 2023 and 2024. Early results from 2025 calls indicate that this performance is continuing to strengthen, with the UK first for awards in 2025 Consolidator Grants and second in 2025 Starting Grants under the European Research Council.
However, the UK has recovered less strongly in Pillars II and III. The report notes that longer lead times are needed for large-scale collaborative projects in Pillar II, and that relationships were severely impacted during the period of uncertainty between 2021 and 2023. There is also more work to be done, particularly with industry, to enable the UK to reach its potential in Pillar III, which focuses on innovation and commercialisation, and current good practice in business engagement should be built upon to see greater returns.
A UUKi member survey conducted in spring 2026 reveals the strength of feeling across the sector about the irreplaceable value of Horizon Europe:
Members cited the ability to lead consortia as a crucial part of association, in addition to clarity for researchers and international partners around eligibility.
Conversely, members said that past uncertainty was the key reason for reduced engagement during 2021 to 2023, even though funding was available.
Members also stated that temporary inability to lead large-scale projects or influence funding priorities marginalised UK institutions. They warn that stopping or reducing future association would trigger a severe knock-on effect, damaging academic engagement and halting university investment in EU applications.
This research highlights the importance of learning from other associated countries, such as Norway, and calls on the UK Government to continue its efforts to support and connect the UK system. It also calls on universities to target support for Pillar II and Pillar III applications, including business engagement.
With discussions already underway regarding the next framework programme (FP10), UUKi urges the government to provide a long-term commitment to association.
This report highlights the progress that we are beginning to make in returning the UK to a leading position within Horizon Europe, since association in 2024. However, it also highlights where more needs to be done. We must continue to work together if we are to build on this momentum – and universities, industry and government all have key roles to play in fostering the connections and developing the infrastructure that are needed to maximise our potential.
Jamie Arrowsmith
Director, UUKi
About this report: Realising our potential: UK participation in Horizon Europe draws on data from the European Commission for the full duration of Horizon 2020 and the 2024 call year of Horizon Europe, and UKRI data for 2021–23. Further insights are drawn from a UUKi member survey conducted in spring 2026.
About UUKi: Universities UK International (UUKi) represents UK higher education institutions (HEIs) globally and helps them flourish internationally. To do this we actively promote UK HEIs abroad, provide trusted information for and about them, and create new opportunities through our unique ability to act at sector level. We draw on UK university expertise to influence policy in the UK and overseas, delivering information, advice and guidance to facilitate mutually beneficial collaboration between UK HEIs and a broad range of international partners.
Media enquiries: Please contact Emily Brown, Communications and Campaigns Officer, UUKi ([email protected]).
