A high-level Universities UK International (UUKi) delegation is meeting with key European Union representatives in Brussels today to advocate for full UK association to Framework Programme 10 (FP10) from day one. Discussions also centre on the proposed European Competitiveness Fund and boosting UK participation in Horizon Europe.
The visit marks the first of six Horizon Europe delegations that UUKi will deliver this year through a new two-year programme funded by Wellcome. The programme will focus on maximising UK engagement in the final 15 months of Horizon Europe while positioning the UK as a trusted, like-minded partner as negotiations around FP10 progress.
Building on a successful series of activities in 2024–25 also funded by Wellcome, in 2026–27 the new programme will involve three strategic country delegations, three policy engagements in Brussels, and two capacity-building webinars with a focus on low- and middle-income countries. UUKi will work with the Science and Technology Network, British Council, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Horizon Europe, UK National Contact Points and UUKi member institutions to deliver these activities.
Since the UK officially associated to Horizon Europe on 1 January 2024, participation and success rates have continued to improve. While growth in Pillar II (Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness) has historically lagged behind other parts of the programme, recent signs of improvement present a significant opportunity that this programme will build upon.
Jamie Arrowsmith, Director of Universities UK International, said:
Arriving in Brussels today, our message is clear: strong, sustained UK-EU research collaboration delivers results for all of Europe. As FP10 takes shape, securing UK association from day one is essential to avoid uncertainty for researchers and maintain momentum. Thanks to Wellcome’s continued support, this new programme of work enables us to work hand-in-hand with European partners, boosting UK participation in the final months of Horizon Europe while ensuring our universities remain trusted, long-term collaborators on shared global challenges.
Jamie Arrowsmith
Director, Universities UK International
Notes to editors:
For any enquiries, please contact: Emily Brown, Communications and Campaigns Officer, UUKi: [email protected].
About Universities UK International
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.
About Wellcome
Wellcome supports science to solve the urgent health challenges facing everyone. We support discovery research into life, health and wellbeing, and we’re taking on three worldwide health challenges: mental health, infectious disease and climate and health.