CONNECTS-UK Releases Comprehensive Analysis of Post-Brexit Research Ties

A new report from CONNECTS-UK provides a detailed examination of how Brexit has altered scientific cooperation between the European Union and the United Kingdom. Titled “The EU-UK Scientific Collaboration: Funding, Mobility, and Shared Research Infrastructure,” the April 2026 publication draws on Horizon Europe participation data, UK higher education statistics, and reviews of major European research infrastructures to assess three core areas of the relationship.

The analysis covers the period of non-association with Horizon Europe, shifts following changes to immigration rules and the end of Erasmus+ participation, and the implications for shared facilities. While formal access to programmes has largely been restored through the UK’s re-association with Horizon Europe in 2024, the report identifies persistent gaps in collaborative depth, researcher flows, and governance involvement.

Background on Brexit’s Impact on European Research Networks

Before the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union, UK researchers participated extensively in EU-funded projects and benefited from seamless mobility across borders. Universities in both the UK and EU member states built extensive partnerships that supported joint grant applications, shared equipment, and student exchanges. The 2016 referendum introduced uncertainty that affected bidding behaviour and long-term planning at institutions such as Imperial College London, the University of Oxford, and counterparts in Germany, France, and the Netherlands.

During the years of non-association, UK participation in collaborative consortia declined as partners sought to reduce perceived risks. European higher education institutions responded by strengthening internal networks and exploring alternative international partners. The report notes that these adjustments have left lasting traces even after formal re-entry into Horizon Europe.

Research Funding: Horizon Europe Re-Association and Remaining Hurdles

The UK’s return to Horizon Europe as an associated country in 2024 marked a significant step toward restoring funding access. UK-based researchers have since become among the top beneficiaries of the programme, securing grants across pillars focused on excellent science, global challenges, and innovative Europe. Data cited in the report show strong performance in individual researcher schemes such as European Research Council grants and Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions.

Nevertheless, the analysis highlights reduced involvement in large consortium-led projects compared with pre-Brexit levels. UK universities report that administrative complexities and lingering perceptions of uncertainty continue to influence partner selection. Institutions across Europe note that rebuilding trust in collaborative applications requires sustained effort beyond formal programme membership.

Alternative domestic schemes, including guarantees provided through UK Research and Innovation, helped bridge gaps during the non-association period. These measures supported continuity for approved projects but could not fully replicate the scale and breadth of Horizon Europe opportunities.

Researcher and Student Mobility: Declines and Adaptation Strategies

Mobility patterns have changed markedly since the introduction of post-Brexit immigration requirements and the UK’s withdrawal from the Erasmus+ programme. The report documents sharp declines in EU student enrolments at UK universities and reduced numbers of researchers moving between the UK and EU member states.

European higher education institutions have adapted by expanding bilateral agreements and developing new exchange frameworks. The Turing Scheme provides outbound opportunities for UK students, while EU universities have strengthened partnerships with non-EU countries to offset reduced UK flows. Data from UK higher education statistics reveal that certain disciplines, particularly in the sciences and engineering, experienced more pronounced drops in incoming EU talent.

EU research diaspora organisations operating in the UK play an increasingly visible role in maintaining connections. These groups facilitate knowledge exchange, support early-career researchers, and contribute to science diplomacy efforts between the two sides.

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Shared Research Infrastructure: Governance and Access Challenges

European research infrastructures, ranging from particle physics facilities to advanced imaging centres, have faced governance adjustments following Brexit. The report examines how the UK’s changed status has affected decision-making roles and long-term strategic planning in several major installations.

While access arrangements for UK researchers have generally been preserved, influence over facility development and priority setting has shifted. Some infrastructures with intergovernmental governance models have experienced smoother transitions than those embedded more directly within EU institutional frameworks. Universities and research organisations on both sides report ongoing efforts to maintain operational continuity and joint investment in equipment.

The analysis emphasises that infrastructure collaboration benefits from stable, reciprocal arrangements that extend beyond individual project funding cycles.

Implications for Universities and Higher Education Institutions Across Europe

UK universities have responded to the changed landscape by diversifying international partnerships while seeking to deepen remaining EU links. European institutions, including those in the Netherlands, Sweden, and Ireland, have similarly adjusted recruitment and collaboration strategies. The report underscores that the health of these relationships directly affects the attractiveness of European higher education for global talent.

Joint degree programmes, dual PhD arrangements, and shared doctoral training initiatives continue to offer pathways for sustained cooperation. Institutions note that administrative burdens associated with visa processes and funding applications remain areas requiring attention from policymakers.

Stakeholder Perspectives from Academia and Policy

Researchers, university leaders, and representatives of organisations such as the Royal Society and UKRI have contributed views reflected in the CONNECTS-UK analysis. Many highlight the continued excellence of the UK research environment alongside concerns about long-term network erosion. EU-based academics emphasise the value of UK contributions to joint projects while acknowledging the need for new mechanisms to support mobility.

Policy discussions at the European and national levels focus on simplifying procedures, enhancing youth mobility options, and ensuring that association terms support equitable participation. The report positions these stakeholder insights as essential for guiding future adjustments.

Challenges, Solutions, and Emerging Best Practices

Key challenges identified include the erosion of collaborative networks built over decades, reduced EU student and researcher inflows, and uneven governance influence in shared infrastructures. Solutions proposed centre on sustained investment in relationship-building activities, clearer communication of association benefits, and targeted support for early-career researchers.

Best practices emerging from diaspora organisations and institutional partnerships include structured mentoring programmes, joint workshops, and transparent data sharing on participation trends. These approaches help counteract the fragmentation that followed the initial Brexit transition.

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Future Outlook for EU-UK Scientific Cooperation

The report concludes that formal frameworks provide a necessary foundation, yet substantive recovery depends on the gradual rebuilding of personal and institutional relationships. Continued monitoring of participation data, mobility statistics, and infrastructure governance will be important for identifying further adjustments.

European higher education stands to benefit from stronger, more resilient UK-EU ties that support joint responses to global challenges in health, climate, and technology. Institutions on both sides are encouraged to prioritise long-term partnership strategies alongside short-term project funding.

Actionable Insights for Academic Job Seekers and Administrators

For researchers and administrators navigating this landscape, the report recommends staying informed about Horizon Europe calls, exploring bilateral mobility schemes, and engaging with diaspora networks. University leaders are advised to review internal support for international staff and to develop contingency plans for fluctuating participation levels.

Resources such as institutional international offices and professional associations offer practical guidance on visa processes, grant applications, and partnership development. Proactive engagement helps maintain competitiveness in the evolving European research environment.