Research and innovation programs are essential for science. Several countries initiate such programs to promote research. Horizon 2020, launched by the EU, was one such research program. For 2021–2027, the EU budget has proposed to provide €94 billion for research projects. This project, known as Horizon Europe, is supposed to be the biggest research and innovation program ever. Let us try to find out more about this project.
EU and Its Programs
The European Commission (EU commission) is responsible for developing new proposals for the European legislation and implementing the decisions of the European Parliament and the EU Council. The EU came into existence in 2007. Since then, it has provided funding for 8,000 research projects.
Some of the EU’s research projects include improving recyclable plastics, improving ways to help individuals quit smoking, and addressing issues pertaining to environment and human health research. The EU’s funding programs have encouraged various teams of researchers, scientists and experts from all over the world to work together on research and innovations. The EU has undertaken global effort to address issues pertaining to human health and environment.
EU’s Largest Research Funding Program
Currently, the EU’s largest program for research and innovation is Horizon 2020. The scientific community considers it to be one of the most successful EU projects launched so far. Horizon 2020 gives funds for research on crucial issues such as climate change, migration, and clean energy. Horizon 2020 has €80bn for research proposals to be implemented in the next seven years. However, Brexit has brought in doubts in the minds of the researchers regarding the accessibility of research funds.
EU Strives to Reach Higher
With the success of Horizon 2020, EU proposed a seven-year research plan, Horizon Europe. Horizon Europe has a proposed budget of €94.1 billion for research planned in the period 2021–2027. The funding will promote substantial research on science and innovations. Horizon Europe will share €52.7 billion of its budget to support various projects. These projects include climate change, improvement of digital technologies, and methods used for food production.
Horizon Europe proposes to cut the cost of healthcare through the innovative use of various technologies and digital solutions. It will also promote research innovations to address issues regarding cybersecurity, democracy, human rights, and social equality.
Besides these, Horizon Europe will also promote and provide support to innovators. The goal for innovators is to develop and increase knowledge of modernized technologies, science, trade, and investments. The funding also gives innovators tools to assist in the beginning stages and for tracking the progress of development and marketing.
The Possible Benefits
Horizon Europe has funded several researchers and scientists for groundbreaking research in all fields. In the field of physical sciences, a project that discusses the prediction of earthquakes received funding from Horizon Europe. On the other hand, in the humanities, researchers studying why people are dishonest, with the objective of learning how to change these negative behaviors got their projects funded. Similarly, in the life sciences, a project which deals with why people react differently to vaccines and infections received Horizon Europe’s funding. Although only a few research projects have received funding from Horizon Europe, it is indeed a noteworthy initiative. The conclusions of these research projects will be of great importance not only to the scientific community, but also to society in general.
The Horizon Europe funds available for research grants are truly unique. They promote teamwork amongst a worldwide pool of scientists and researchers. As a result, these scientists and researchers can achieve their goals and make advancements in science and technology.
Horizon Europe’s funding also provides the academic community with knowledge and experience. This knowledge is essential for carrying out research in critical areas of science, such as environmental issues, food production, and health and social behaviors. The generated research results have the potential to improve the quality of life.
What are your thoughts regarding Horizon Europe? Do you think it will be the biggest research and innovation program ever? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.
