A major new government-commissioned analysis has revealed that UK researchers achieve stronger results, greater global influence and more enduring impact when they are supported by international collaboration through the Horizon Europe programme.
Commissioned by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), the report examines how UK participation in the EU’s flagship research schemes has shaped outcomes across science, health, technology and agriculture.
It concludes that backing from Horizon-style programmes significantly increased the likelihood that ambitious research ideas were fully realised rather than scaled back or abandoned altogether.
UK Science Minister Lord Vallance explained: “Better Type 1 diabetes care and more productive farming techniques are just some of the breakthroughs made possible by the UK’s past involvement in Horizon.
“Today, the programme is supporting innovators whose ideas are set to boost economic growth and improve our public services.
“This new evidence shows why it is so crucial that we support our brilliant scientists, researchers and businesses to seize the opportunities Horizon offers. In 2026, we’ll continue doing just that.”
Evidence from Horizon 2020 shows lasting benefits
The analysis focuses on the Horizon 2020 programme (H2020), which ran from 2014 to 2020 and laid the foundations for the current Horizon Europe programme.
During that period, UK researchers secured €7.8bn in funding across almost 11,000 projects, making the UK one of the most successful participating nations.
Beyond the headline funding figures, the report highlights a clear quality uplift. UK research publications linked to H2020 projects achieved higher citation impact, indicating greater influence within global academic and scientific communities.
Researchers also reported that, without access to H2020 funding, many projects would have faced major delays, reduced ambition, relocation abroad or cancellation altogether.
From healthcare breakthroughs to food security
The tangible outcomes of this research investment span everyday life and critical global challenges.
In healthcare, UK universities played a central role in the INNODIA project, which has transformed the understanding of Type 1 diabetes.
By improving clinical trial design and identifying age-related biomarkers, the project is helping pave the way for better disease management and future therapies. Institutions including Cambridge, King’s College London, Oxford, Cardiff and Exeter all contributed to the work.
Another flagship example is the EBOVAC programme, led by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
Through extensive Phase 1, 2 and 3 trials conducted in Europe and Africa, the programme advanced knowledge of the safety and effectiveness of a novel Ebola vaccine, strengthening global preparedness for future outbreaks.
Similar Horizon Europe-backed research has supported innovation in agriculture, helping farmers adopt more efficient techniques that could ultimately help stabilise food prices.
Momentum continues under Horizon Europe
The release of the report coincides with the second anniversary of the UK’s association with the Horizon Europe programme, the world’s largest multinational research collaboration framework, with a total budget of around £80bn.
Early indicators suggest the UK is once again punching above its weight. Last month, the European Research Council announced the recipients of its prestigious Consolidator Grants for mid-career researchers.
Of the 349 grants awarded across Europe, 65 went to UK-led projects – the highest share of any country – bringing €728m in total investment into cutting-edge research.
Strengthening partnerships for the future
Looking ahead, the government is seeking to maximise the opportunities offered by the Horizon Europe programme through deeper international partnerships.
In 2026, the UK plans to launch a targeted campaign in Spain and Germany, showcasing the value that UK institutions and businesses bring to collaborative applications.
This builds on existing success stories such as the ESCALATE project, which is developing next-generation electric heavy goods vehicles.
The £19m initiative brought together Yorkshire-based Electra Commercial Vehicles with Spanish logistics firm Primafrio Corporation and German partners, including RWTH Aachen University.
The project demonstrated the commercial viability of higher-weight electric lorries, opening new markets while supporting decarbonisation goals.
Together, the findings underline a consistent message: participation in the Horizon Europe programme strengthens UK research, accelerates innovation and delivers real-world benefits at home and abroad.
