PRIME Minister Rishi Sunak chose Coventry’s University of Warwick to announce the UK would rejoin the EU’s flagship research scheme, Horizon.
The move, which would see the country rejoin Horizon as an associate member, means UK researchers and innovators will be able to access funding from the £85billion programme.
Mr Sunak said it was the ‘right deal for the UK’.
The Prime Minister chose to make the policy announcement at the university due to its reputation for science and innovation.
The UK will also associate to Copernicus, the European Earth Observation programme, which will give UK researchers access to data valuable to helping with events such as early flood and fire warnings.
They will also be able to bid for contracts they haven’t been granted access to for three years.
During the visit, the PM was given a tour of the university’s International Manufacturing Centre, where he was shown 3D printing and scanning technology.
He also spoke to researchers about their work and held a private conversation with university leaders.
Sir David Normington, chair of Council and Pro-Chancellor, added: “We were delighted to welcome the Prime Minister to Warwick today and are grateful for his interest in our work at the university. Today’s announcement is great news for everyone.
“Allowing our scientists to work together, irrespective of borders, is in all of our interests.
“As a former civil servant, I also recognise the hard work of the negotiating team who secured this deal in the background, and they deserve great credit.”
