Westminster Higher Education Forum

For booking-related queries or information on speaking please email us at info@forumsupport.co.uk, or contact us: +44 (0)1344 864796.

The future for UK international research partnerships

Morning, Thursday, 14th December 2023


This conference will discuss the future for UK international research partnerships, and takes place in light of the UK’s new deal to re-join the EU’s Horizon research programme.


It will bring together policymakers, regulators and stakeholders to consider priorities for the UK’s international research strategy, including:

  • strategies to re-establish relationships with Horizon partners, develop effective partnerships and realise the full potential of re-joining the Horizon programme 
  • identifying research areas within which the UK can lead internationally
  • the alignment of domestic research funding with international objectives

Speakers are expected to assess the nature and degree of influence the UK can achieve within the Horizon programme, as well as the likely overall effect on quality and quantity of research.


We are pleased to be able to include a keynote session with Professor Christopher Smith, Executive Chair, Arts and Humanities Research Council; and International Champion, UK Research and Innovation.


Further sessions will also consider:

  • opportunities for research partnerships outside Horizon and with countries outside the EU, and unlocking the potential benefits 
  • utilising international research for tackling global challenges, and supporting impact and research capacity in target countries
  • identifying and building relationships with emerging partners, and deepening collaboration with the Global South
  • further establishing partnerships tentatively set up when UK Horizon membership was uncertain, and the future for these relationships
  • attracting EU and global research talent to the UK amidst concern over a potential European brain drain, looking at entry routes, and retaining and supporting international researchers
  • supporting university-led international research, maximising impact and research capacity with emerging partners

The conference will be an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who are due to attend from DBT; Defra; Department for the Economy, NI; DESNZ; DHSC; DSIT; EA; FCDO; GO-Science; IPO; OLS; UKHSA; The Scottish Government; and the Welsh Government.



Keynote Speaker

Professor Christopher Smith

Executive Chair, Arts and Humanities Research Council; and International Champion, UK Research and Innovation

Keynote Speaker

Professor Christopher Smith

Executive Chair, Arts and Humanities Research Council; and International Champion, UK Research and Innovation

Chair

Earl of Kinnoull

Chair, House of Lords European Union Select Committee

Speakers

Eileen Linklater

External Relationship Manager, European Marine Energy Centre

Andrea Ordóñez

Director, Southern Voice

Professor Colin Bain

Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research, University of Durham

Shane McHugh

Interim Associate Director, International, Royal Academy of Engineering

Dr Mia Perry

Professor of Arts and Literacies in Education, School of Education, University of Glasgow; and Co-Director, Sustainable Futures Global Network

Louise Heery

Associate Director for Global Research Partnerships, Research & Innovation Services, University of Leeds

Russell Hodges

Manager (Solicitor), Fragomen