The news that the UK will rejoin Horizon – one of the world’s largest research and innovation programmes – will be warmly welcomed by the independent healthcare sector.

UK-based scientists and institutions will be able to apply for money from the £81bn (€95bn) fund from today.

David Hare, Chief Executive of IHPN, said: “It’s really good news that the UK will rejoin Horizon – one of the world’s largest research and innovation programmes.

“Our members across the landscape will be welcoming this development.

“Many independent and private healthcare companies are key partners working on health and health science research projects.

“This include cutting edge work into tackling diseases, or developing technology to improve people’s health and wellbeing; collaborating with colleagues both nationally and internationally.

“The UK is rightly recognised as one of the world’s leading centres for health and health science, and the private sector is a key part of that success.

“Horizon provides us with access to the funding, resources, and expertise that will help us to develop new and innovative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing health challenges.”