Updated September 12th, 2023
Space4Climate welcomes the news that the UK is again able to access the Copernicus European climate monitoring programme as an associate and rejoin the Horizon research programme.
We know that a huge amount of careful work has been taking place behind the scenes and we thank our members who have contributed to and supported that process.
It means that UK organisations and institutions can access Copernicus data to support our climate research, development of climate innovation, products, tools and services for climate action.
Guidance notes have been issued by the Government on what it means for UK organisations.
UK researchers can immediately apply for project funding from the Horizon programme for 2024 onwards with the confidence of knowing that the UK will again be a fully associated member of the programme.
We look forward to hearing more details in due course.
Dr Paul Bate, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency, which chairs Space4Climate, has commented: “The UK has a long history of expertise and innovation in Earth Observation, so it is excellent news that we are going to continue our association in the EU part of Copernicus programme. This is a great outcome for our world-leading Earth Observation sector, who we have worked closely with to support. Participating in Copernicus will enable the UK space sector to continue to play a significant role in the development of critical missions that will enable us to monitor our planet more effectively and lead a global effort through the use of satellite data to find new solutions to the urgent challenge of climate change.”
Beth Greenaway, Head of Climate and Earth Observation at the UK Space Agency, and Chair of Space4Climate, said: “This is brilliant news, and will provide a range of exciting new opportunities for the UK EO sector to once again be able to bid for contracts to design and deliver the next iterations of Copernicus technology, science and services, and to have timely access to the great wealth of data and sophisticated services that Copernicus provides.”
Science Minister George Freeman has described the news as ‘a huge moment for UK R&D economy’.
Read the full press release.