Scientists renew calls to rejoin EU’s Horizon after UK unveils backup

The UK’s proposed alternative to the EU’s Horizon research programme has failed to sway support for the bloc’s funding scheme. Named Pioneer, the programme provides a backup plan in case the UK doesn’t rejoin Horizon. A recent trade agreement for Northern Ireland had opened the door to reentering the EU scheme, but negotiations over Horizon’s terms have stalled. Pioneer will be activated if a deal is not agreed upon. “We hope our negotiations will be successful, and that is our preference, but it must be on the right terms,” said Michelle Donelan, Britain’s minister for science and technology. “We must ensure we…

This story continues at The Next Web