Horizon’s ‘Hop-on’ scheme criticised

Researchers struggle to take advantage of initiative to boost participation in underdeveloped research countries

A new measure in the Horizon Europe programme to boost the performance of countries struggling to win money is failing to achieve its goals, research organisations have suggested.

‘Hop-on’ allows organisations from ‘widening’ countries that are underperforming in Horizon to join ongoing projects. Data on the new feature in the 2021-27 Horizon Europe R&D programme are limited, with just two rounds so far. But observers say projects receive too many queries and that coordinators often add groups they have worked with before, contrary to the purpose.