Norway-style funding deal seen as key to financing research

UK ministers must follow the Swiss and Norwegian model of accessing key research cash, the principal of Dundee University has said.

Professor Sir Pete Downes said still being able to apply for money from the same sources which already back major projects carried out locally would be the “least bad” option.

Asked what he would consider key to any Brexit deal for the univesity sector, Sir Pete said: “Barriers on freedom of movement would be as low as possible. Ensuring the UK retains access to European funding schemes.

“There is access for non-EU countries like Norway and Switzerland, who can access funds even though they don’t participate in the design of the funding models.”

Norway pays in about £623 million or £119 a head, for access to the European single market and other European Union programmes, according to an analysis of data provided by the country’s embassy in the UK by the pro-remain group InFacts.

It is estimated that European Union programmes will provide around €120 billion to directly support research, development and innovation activities in the UK between 2014 and 2020.

Horizon 2020, the EU’s research and innovation programme, will distribute almost €80bn in funding between 2014 and 2020.

Sir Pete revealed that people involved in the scheme on the continent have already started to question whether or not the money will dry up.

Chancellor Philip Hammond has guaranteed that research projects currently funded by the EU will be “underwritten” by the UK Government after Brexit.

There is access for non-EU countries ...