September 23, 2020

expert reaction to the Nature Correspondence: ‘COVID-19 shows UK–EU collaborations are irreplaceable’

A correspondence piece, published in Nature, discusses UK and EU scientific collaborations in light of COVID-19. 

Beth Thompson, Head of UK and EU Policy and Advocacy at Wellcome, said:

“Horizon Europe will be a crucial funding mechanism that fosters collaboration, and the UK has been an active, successful and valued participant in pervious EU programmes. However, time is running out to ensure that the UK can participate. Securing Horizon Europe association within a free trade deal is the best way to maintain similar levels of scientific collaboration. Future generations in the UK, Europe and beyond are counting on negotiators to put their health, wealth and wellbeing first. Wellcome and 100 organisations and individuals across the UK and EU have signed a statement to show where compromise can be found to secure UK participation.”

‘COVID-19 shows UK–EU collaborations are irreplaceable’ by Benjamin Fernando et al. was published in Nature at 00:01 UK time on Wednesday 23^rd Spetmeber.

Declared interests

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