As the UK’s association to Horizon Europe becomes more embedded, 2025 is providing the first clear and encouraging indicators of renewed and stabilising collaboration between UK researchers and their European counterparts. For researchers and institutions across Europe, recent data paints a promising picture of how the UK is actively re-engaging with the programme and where partnership opportunities are expanding.
According to figures available as of September 2025, UK-based institutions have been involved in 43% of all evaluated Horizon Europe proposals submitted this year. This level of engagement highlights the continued willingness of UK researchers to contribute to European research initiatives and reflects strong bilateral ties in the academic and innovation communities. In the same period, UK researchers secured 56 European Research Council (ERC) Advanced Grants, worth approximately €140 million in total funding. This is the highest number awarded to any country in this round, demonstrating that UK research continues to excel in some of the most prestigious and competitive funding streams available.
Looking at funding shares more broadly, the UK is gradually improving its position across multiple sectors. In Pillar 1, which covers frontier research including the ERC and Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, the UK has received around 12% of allocated funding in 2024. Meanwhile, in Pillar 2, the largest component of Horizon Europe by budget, which supports collaborative research and innovation—the UK’s share currently stands at approximately 5%. Within Pillar 2, participation is particularly strong in Clusters 1, 5, and 6, which focus on health, climate and mobility, and food and natural resources respectively. These areas align closely with established UK strengths and priorities, signalling strategic engagement with the programme’s key themes.
Although performance in areas such as Pillar 3 and among smaller organisations is still developing, early trends suggest growing confidence and momentum among both UK and European partners. This progress is supported by increased institutional investment in collaborative research projects and government-backed initiatives like pump priming. These initiatives provide essential early-stage funding to help researchers establish and sustain cross-border partnerships, enhancing their ability to compete successfully for Horizon Europe grants.
While the UK’s reintegration into Horizon Europe is ongoing and will require continued effort, the latest data points to a return to more consistent and constructive joint research activity. For European researchers and institutions, this represents a timely opportunity to explore new collaborations, strengthen existing partnerships, and engage with UK organisations across a wide range of scientific and innovation fields.
With Horizon Europe’s future also in discussion through the development of Framework Programme 10, the UK’s position as a key partner in European research cooperation looks set to remain significant in the years ahead. Now is an excellent time to connect with UK colleagues and contribute to the vibrant network of shared research excellence.