London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

The statement sets out a series of compromises that both sides could make to tackle disagreements over the terms of the UK’s association to the Horizon Europe programme.

Signatories reflect the research sector in the UK and Europe, and as well as global health leaders, including Professor Peter Piot, Director of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.

Peter Piot said: “I am proud to join the over 100 organisations and individuals across the scientific and research community in the UK and Europe who have come together set out how an agreement on the UK’s continued participation in Horizon Europe, can and should be reached with utmost urgency.

“The COVID-19 pandemic is the biggest public health crisis in more than 100 years. Our lives will only return to normal through international collaboration, innovation and excellent science. That is one of the many reasons why the UK, with its world-leading scientists and ability to drive forward strong international research partnerships, must continue to be a part of Horizon Europe.

“Time is running out and it is imperative that an agreement is reached as soon as possible. We will not be able to end this pandemic, or tackle the many other major threats to human health such as climate change, without a unified, transparent and truly global scientific community.

“The UK’s continued participation in Horizon Europe must remain at the heart of any future research relationship between the EU and the UK. Without it we may jeopardise decades of progress made through collaboration, shared knowledge and joint discovery.”