European funding
Despite Brexit, applications for EU funding are still encouraged.
Despite the Brexit vote last year, and the triggering of Article 50 in Spring 2017, the EU H2020 programme is still a valuable source of funding. After some initial nervousness there is no evidence that applications involving UK partners are being disadvantaged. Indeed the University has increased its success rate in H2020 applications since the Brexit vote.
It is not yet clear whether UK researchers will be able to continue accessing EU research funding after the completion of Brexit but this uncertainty should not deter anyone from applying. The UK government has recently reiterated their commitment to underwrite all EU funding achieved for applications submitted before the formal completion of Brexit. See the PDF document below for details.
'Last year was another record year for EU funding for Edinburgh. There is every chance that the Brexit process will allow UK universities to remain eligible for research funding from Horizon Europe (FP9) and other EU programmes. The post EU Exit Extension of the Guarantee, at the very least, means the UK Government will cover our costs to participate as a third country in collaborative EU programmes open to such links. I strongly encourage you all to continue avidly to submit EU applications and maintain our extraordinary momentum with our close colleagues in the rest of Europe.'
April 2019 Evidence sought on post-Brexit international collaboration. The government is seeking views on the future of UK’s international research collaborations, including the possibility of creating a fund to replace prestigious European Union research grants at risk after Brexit.
‘[Adrian] Smith wants input on the emphasis that any new funding arrangement should place on European collaboration, links with developing countries through Overseas Development Assistance, and global collaboration. He also wants views on how focused such a funding initiative should be on outstanding individuals, blue-skies research, business innovation and research impact, and research facilities. The call also seeks opinions on the roles of government, UK Research and Innovation, the national academies and other organisations in defining the agenda for European and international collaboration and in administering any new funding arrangements. The deadline to submit evidence is 24 May. Throughout May and June, Smith will hold meetings with interested groups to consult on the plans, BEIS said. A summary of the findings set to be published in the summer.’