KU Leuven is highest-ranked university in Horizon Europe

Almost three years into Horizon Europe, KU Leuven is the top grant recipient among higher education institutions in the largest EU framework programme for research and innovation to date. Netting more than €170 million for 284 projects, the University currently takes the lead in both the amount of funding and the number of grant agreements signed. 

KU Leuven draws most of its Horizon Europe funding from European Research Council grants and Marie Skłodowska-Curie (MSCA) funding in Pillar I Excellent Science. In 2022, the University even set a new record for MSCA Doctoral Networks with 25 approved projects, meaning that KU Leuven will participate in one in six new projects. Our researchers have also secured a significant amount of funding for collaborative projects in the thematic clusters of Pillar II. KU Leuven coordinates 120 projects (42.3%) – including a quarter of the multi-partner projects it is involved in – and participates in 164 projects (57.7%) as beneficiary. 

Sciences pushes boundaries, here and elsewhere

'That first place is obviously good news, both for KU Leuven and for Flanders. After all, KU Leuven's global orientation and international interconnectedness create significant added value, not only for the university itself, but also for the region it is part of and the society it serves,' responds Rector Luc Sels. 'If international collaboration leads to more effective science, then it also benefits social innovation and adaptability here in Flanders. Flemish universities that have the capacity and strength to attract resources from international funds, foreign funders or foundations enhance our regional research and education fabric, as well as its outcomes. In that area, Flanders has some absolute gems in its hands, but it is important that Flanders politically ensures that these gems keep their lustre.' 

Celebrating success and looking ahead

Throughout the previous framework programme, H2020, the universities of Oxford and Cambridge landed most EU projects, with ETH Zurich, University College London, KU Leuven, and the University of Copenhagen playing leapfrog for third place. After Brexit, UK universities could no longer coordinate projects or receive EU funding, leaving the door open for KU Leuven to become number one in Horizon Europe.

From the 2024 calls onwards, however, UK institutions will be back in the game, with the United Kingdom joining Horizon Europe and Copernicus. Where does that leave KU Leuven? 

Strengthening our competitiveness

Jan D’hooge, Vice Rector for Research Policy, says: 'It’s difficult to predict whether British universities will soon reclaim their top position in Horizon Europe, but it’s a possible scenario from which KU Leuven is likely to benefit – even if it means giving up our hard-earned first place. After all, KU Leuven has a tradition of intense cooperation with UK partners, so we stand to gain from their future projects too. Through LERU, Una Europa, and other collaborations, we have carefully maintained strong ties with UK universities in post-Brexit years, so we’re in pole position for future cooperation. Still, it’s great to be first, and we won’t give up that position just like that. In fact, we have plans to strengthen our competitiveness by providing extra grant writing support for KU Leuven-coordinated project proposals. So: race you to the top, UK colleagues?'  

Meanwhile, New Zealand and Canada have decided to join Pillar II, and Swiss research institutions – including new LERU member ETH Zurich – are crossing their fingers after the Commission recently opened exploratory talks for association to Horizon Europe. This, too, opens up promising new avenues for collaboration in 2024 and beyond. To be continued. 

This article was first published on 7 December by KU Leuven.