Horizon Europe 2025: A New Era for UK Research Collaboration and Funding
Written by Roger Horam, CCG’s EU Funding Expert
The recent publication of the Horizon Europe 2025 Work Programme marks a pivotal moment for UK universities. Following the UK's re-association with the EU's flagship €95.5 billion research and innovation programme in September 2023, UK institutions are now fully eligible to participate in all calls under the 2025/26 programme, presenting a wealth of opportunities for research funding and collaboration.
A Renewed era of collaboration
UK universities have swiftly re-engaged with Horizon Europe, securing approximately £500 million in research grants in 2024 alone. This achievement positions the UK as the leading non-EU country in terms of grants awarded and fifth overall in the programme.
Navigating the 2025 Work Programme
The Horizon Europe 2025 Work Programme allocates €7.3 billion to advance research and innovation across Europe. UK universities can tap into a diverse array of funding opportunities across various thematic clusters:
Health (Cluster 1): Focus areas include neurological disorders, personalised medicine, and pandemic preparedness.
Digital, Industry, and Space (Cluster 4): Opportunities abound in advanced manufacturing, AI, and space technologies, with funding ranging from €450,000 to €45 million per project.
Climate, Energy, and Mobility (Cluster 5): Emphasis on green technologies, sustainable transport, and energy efficiency.
UK researchers can access these calls through the European Commission’s Funding & Tenders Portal, ensuring seamless integration into European research initiatives.
But success in Horizon Europe isn’t just about eligibility — it’s about strategy, alignment, and consortium building. That’s where the Cormack Consultancy Group (CCG) plays a critical role.
Our Role in Supporting UK Participation
As a consultancy working closely with UK and international universities on Horizon Europe and other EU programmes, we support institutions to understand the funding landscape, identify strategic opportunities, and build strong consortia.
Our work typically involves:
Helping universities map their strengths to specific Horizon Europe calls and missions.
Supporting concept development and alignment with EU policy priorities like the Green Deal, Digital Europe, and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Facilitating introductions between UK researchers and potential partners across Europe and associated countries.
Providing light-touch input on proposals — from narrative structure to impact pathways — and offering training or strategic guidance to internal research teams.
We’ve also been involved in supporting initiatives that promote UK–Ukraine collaboration within Horizon Europe and continue to advise institutions exploring partnerships with a wider network of European stakeholders.
Strategic initiatives and support
To facilitate UK participation in Horizon Europe, several initiatives have been launched:
British Academy's Pump Priming Scheme: Designed to foster collaborations between UK and EU researchers, this scheme provides seed funding to initiate joint projects.
Innovate UK's Travel Grants: Offering up to £700 to support UK researchers in establishing partnerships across Europe, complemented by delegations and information roadshows.
Maximising opportunities
For UK universities aiming to capitalise on Horizon Europe funding:
Engage early: Identify relevant calls and initiate consortium discussions promptly to meet application deadlines.
Leverage support services: Utilise resources provided by CCG, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and institutional research offices for application guidance.
Foster partnerships: Build robust collaborations with EU counterparts to enhance project competitiveness and impact.
Stay informed: Attend informational events and subscribe to updates on Horizon Europe to remain abreast of new opportunities and requirements.
The UK’s full participation in Horizon Europe has restored an essential bridge between British research and European ambition. For UK universities, this is more than just access to funding — it’s an opportunity to lead in tackling global challenges alongside international partners.
The Horizon 2025 calls will reward institutions that are proactive, strategic, and collaborative. With expert support from Cormack Consultancy Group, universities can unlock significant funding, foster world-class partnerships, and secure a leadership role in shaping Europe’s research future.
If you are interested in finding out more out the work we do, please contact Bora Dimitrov, CCG’s Director of Engagement and Growth at bora@consultcormack.com