UK government pledges to guarantee funding for R&D projects that run on after Brexit

A UK government pledge to underwrite grants for projects that go on after the UK leaves the EU has been broadly welcomed by scientists. 

The move came as the government attempts to allay fears in universities and research institutes that they would lose out on EU funding in the run-up to Brexit and beyond.

UK Chancellor Philip Hammond said, “British businesses and universities will have certainty over future funding and should continue to bid for competitive EU funds while the UK remains a member of the EU.

“We recognise that many organisations across the UK which are in receipt of EU funding, or expect to start receiving funding, want reassurance about the flow of funding they will receive,” Hammond said.

The British government will underwrite existing grants when projects continue post-Brexit.

UK universities and small businesses currently receive around £1 billion annually from EU research coffers but applicants are already losing out following the vote to leave the EU on June 23.

Several scientists have reported being frozen out of grant proposals even though the UK is still a full member of the EU.

Paul van Dun, general manager of KU Leuven’s research and development department, thinks the commitment could boost confidence for researchers applying to Horizon 2020, the EU’s science programme.

“For the other EU participants it doesn't really matter where the funding of the UK universities comes from, so long as the UK universities can participate in the scheme and thus follow the same participation rules,” he said.

The commitment, “provided much-needed reassurance to researchers in the UK and across Europe that the UK is still in the game as a reliable player in research funding bids,” said Sarah Main, director of the Campaign for Science and Engineering (CaSE) in London.

Venki Ramakrishnan, President of the Royal Society said, "By ensuring that UK-based researchers will remain funded for the full duration of any EU grant that is awarded during the upcoming negotiations, this measure removes the uncertainty in the funding status of UK-based researchers. It will thus ensure that European colleagues can confidently collaborate with UK-based researchers, who can also participate fully in European research programmes.”

However, not everyone thinks the pledge goes far enough.

“The new guarantee is a missed opportunity for the government to prove that it will ensure that UK science will not lose funding from the Brexit decision in future years,” said Matthew Freeman, head of the Dunn School of Pathology at Oxford University.

“Not only do we need the funding that the EU has brought into science in Britain, but we also need to make sure the conditions here make it possible to recruit and retain the very best scientists. Science is global, and the world is watching to see whether, post-Brexit, Britain will still be one of the powerhouses of great science,” Freeman said.

While Rob Davidson, co-founder of Scientists for the EU acknowledged Hammond’s commitment is, “a useful statement for UK scientists, Commission officials and European governments to show to any European partners nervous about taking on UK scientists into their collaborative plans at this stage”, he felt the deal was nevertheless “decidedly underwhelming”.

It represents, “no boost to science, but rather the most minimal assurances possible. This is not a pledge of extra funds beyond that to which we’re already committed,” Davidson said.

Douglas Carswell, a politician who campaigned to leave the EU urged researchers to be more open to the opportunities of Brexit.

“Many researchers worry not just about the funding but the fate of international collaborations. But Britain could keep participating in Horizon 2020 even as a non-EU country – like Israel. Or perhaps there are universities in non-EU countries that would welcome being better networked with our scientists. Let's look at the possibilities,” he said.