Unlocking opportunities with Horizon Europe
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Hosted on the 9th of April, “Horizon Europe: The New Calls for Research and Innovation Funding,” by the North East Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with Innovate UK, offered a helpful look at how UK organisations can make the most of the Horizon Europe programme.
Led by Louise Mothersole from Innovate UK, the session was packed with useful information. Louise, who has supported UK businesses and researchers through EU funding schemes for nearly a decade, explained how Horizon Europe works and how British organisations can get involved – even after Brexit.
The good news? The UK is fully part of Horizon Europe again. This means UK researchers, universities, and businesses can join European teams and apply for funding as if the UK never left. Projects that are chosen will get direct funding from the EU, just like before.
One of the main points Louise stressed was the importance of partnerships. Horizon Europe is all about working together across borders. If you want your application to succeed, building strong links with European partners is key. She also gave practical tips on what makes a good application and how to stand out.
There was also discussion around the support already available. For example, Innovate UK offers travel grants to help UK participants meet potential partners abroad. Delegations are also being planned to countries like Germany, Italy, and Spain, giving UK organisations the chance to network and build relationships face-to-face.
The timing of the event couldn’t have been better. With the UK’s renewed association to Horizon Europe, there’s a clear effort from both government and support agencies to help organisations re-engage with the programme. Recent initiatives are aimed at increasing awareness, building capacity, and encouraging collaboration across sectors.
For organisations in the North East – and across the UK – this is a practical chance to access funding for research and innovation that can lead to real, long-term benefits. The session gave clear next steps and highlighted the tools available to help.
Those interested in taking part are encouraged to explore current calls and reach out to Innovate UK or their local support network for advice. With the right partnerships and planning, Horizon Europe presents a solid opportunity to grow through international collaboration.