EU Contributes funds to businesses and universities

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London universities and SMEs to benefit from research funding

Liberal Democrat MEP for London Sarah Ludford has welcomed the news of a deal on the EU's £60 billion research programme that will bring huge benefits to businesses and universities across the UK.

The new programme, Horizon 2020, includes significant funding for industry, and a separate £2.3 billion budget line for small businesses pushed for by Liberal Democrat MEPs.

In the previous research funding round (FP7), £10.2 million was granted to Kings College London (KCL) for crucial research into HIV prevention, with other London universities also benefiting from research grants.

Sarah Ludford commented:

"This is an exciting time for universities and businesses across the region. Liberal Democrats have ensured that millions of pounds of EU research funding will be invested in small innovative firms, allowing them to develop new products and create thousands of jobs in cutting-edge sectors. We also pushed for simpler rules and less red tape, making it easier for smaller businesses to apply for funding."

"Over the past 5 years, the UK has received nearly £4 billion in EU research funding. This is more than every other EU country except Germany and nearly 10% of the UK’s national science budget. Thanks to this support from the EU, our universities – including King’s, Imperial, LSE, Queen Mary and UCL in London – are carrying out world-beating research.”

"This new £60 billion package is a fantastic opportunity for our universities and businesses to continue creating jobs in the region and developing the technologies of the future."

Professor Charles Kelly, coordinator of King’s College London’s HIV prevention research project CHAARM based at Guy’s Campus in Southwark, said:

“Thanks to EU funding universities across London are able to conduct vital research into areas like HIV prevention where we can make a real difference to people’s lives. I welcome the announcement of the Horizon 2020 programme, which will provide the financial support our universities need to remain at the forefront of scientific research.”

 

October 3, 2013