London, 14 April 2026 – A new chapter for European researchers in the United Kingdom begins with the launch of the CONNECTS-UK Network, a collaborative community designed to sustain and expand EU–UK scientific cooperation following the conclusion of the EU-funded CONNECTS-UK project (2024–2026).

Building on three years of successful collaboration among European scientific diaspora associations, the Network will carry forward the project’s mission: fostering connections, supporting researcher mobility and careers, and strengthening dialogue between EU and UK research ecosystems.

A Community for Collaboration and Impact

The CONNECTS-UK Network brings together researchers from across EU countries working in the UK, offering a shared platform to collaborate, exchange ideas, and address common challenges in the post-Brexit landscape.

The initiative aims to support European researchers throughout their careers, enhance their visibility, and promote professional development, while also reinforcing cooperation between EU and UK research and innovation communities.

At its core, the Network seeks to act as a collective voice for European researchers in the UK—highlighting their contributions and advocating for constructive solutions to challenges related to mobility, funding, and collaboration.

Inclusive and Open to All Researchers

The CONNECTS-UK Network is open to both:

● Research diaspora associations representing EU researchers in the UK, and
● Individual researchers, including those whose national communities are not yet formally organised.

This inclusive approach ensures that all European researchers in the UK have access to a supportive and engaged community.

Opportunities, Engagement, and Advocacy

Members of the Network will benefit from:

● A dynamic community connecting researchers across disciplines, countries, and career stages
● A programme of events and activities, including workshops, networking events, outreach initiatives, and consultations
● Opportunities to contribute to working groups on key topics such as EU–UK cooperation, policy and advocacy, mobility, and science communication
● Representation and advocacy through ongoing dialogue with EU institutions, embassies, UK policymakers, and funding bodies

The Network will also actively support the creation and growth of new diaspora organisations, further strengthening the European research landscape in the UK.

A Sustainable Structure for Long-Term Impact

The CONNECTS-UK Network will be coordinated by a Management Team, supported by a General Assembly representing member associations and individual researchers. Working Groups will deliver activities, while an Advisory Board composed of experts from academia, policy, and diplomacy will provide strategic guidance.

Looking Ahead

As the CONNECTS-UK project concludes, the Network ensures that its legacy continues—transforming a successful initiative into a sustainable, community-driven platform for collaboration and impact.

“CONNECTS-UK was never just a project—it is a community. The Network ensures that this community continues to grow, connect, and contribute to a strong and vibrant EU–UK research relationship.”

Join the CONNECTS-UK Network

Researchers and organisations are invited to join and become part of a growing Europe-wide community in the UK that:

● Amplifies the voice of EU researchers
● Builds cross-border collaboration
● Strengthens professional networks
● Supports positive EU–UK scientific relations

For more information contact: info@connects-uk.org or click here to join the Network.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Anna Fumarola
Project Manager CONNECTS-UK
project.manager@connects-uk.org

Further details on the CONNECTS-UK website and its social media:  X, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

About CONNECTS-UK:

CONNECTS-UK stands for ‘Connecting European Communities Through Science in the UK’ and is a pioneering pan-EU project co-funded by the European Union (EU) that aims to advance scientific collaborations between the EU and the United Kingdom (UK) in the post-Brexit context. The initiative brings together scientific diasporas from Finland, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, and Spain, and the non-profit organisation, Native Scientists, to foster cross-border research, promote knowledge exchange, and drive innovation. CONNECTS-UK serves as a catalyst for groundbreaking scientific collaborations and partnerships in diverse fields of study. The EU funding of around half a million euros not only reflects its commitment to advancing scientific progress but also underscores the importance of maintaining robust research ties between the EU and the UK despite the challenges posed by Brexit.

By creating a robust framework for cross-border collaboration, CONNECTS-UK will enable scientists, researchers, and innovators to overcome the barriers created by Brexit and tap into the vast wealth of expertise and resources available in both the EU and the UK to jointly tackle pressing global challenges. 

CONNECTS-UK is a partnership, open to new collaborators, between

• Association of Italian Scientists in the UK (AISUK)
• Dutch Network of Academics in the UK (DNU inUK)
• Finnish Science Society in the UK
• French Education and Research Network UK (FERN-UK)
• Native Scientists
• Polonium Foundation
• Portuguese Association of Researchers and Students in the UK (PARSUK)
• Society of Spanish Researchers in the UK (SRUK/CERU)
• Association of Slovens Educated (VTIS)