Cost of joining Horizon ‘a problem’

UKRI chief says funder is working on replacements in case EU deal proves too pricey

The head of UK Research and Innovation has cast further doubt on the likelihood of British researchers getting access to future European Union funding programmes.

In an exclusive interview with Research Fortnight, Ottoline Leyser—who joined UKRI as chief executive at the end of June—insisted she is “in favour” of the UK joining the next programme. But she said the cost of joining was problematic and work on homegrown alternative schemes was progressing at pace.