PF: How do researchers who were in the UK during the non-association period (1st February 2020-1st January 2024) calculate their eligibility regarding the research experience?

The limit of maximum 8 years of research experience (full time equivalent) from the date of award of the (first) doctoral degree can be extended (in days) for research in a non-associated third country (only for nationals or long-term residents of MS or AC wishing to reintegrate in Europe).

According to the reintegration rule, to deduct the time spent in the third country from the calculus of the research experience, one of the two conditions must be met:

- The researcher is based in the third country at the call deadline, or

- Has moved directly from the third country to a EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country within the last 12 months before the call deadline.

As of 1 January 2024 the United Kingdom became an Associated Country, and is no longer a third country.

So, if a researcher lives in the UK since January 2022 until the call deadline, both conditions will not be respected:

- The researcher will not be based in a third country at the 2024 call deadline on 11/09/2024;

- There is no move to a EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country within the period 12/09/2023-11/09/2024. 

If the researcher does not fall into the ‘reintegration’ category, the period of research in the UK could not be deducted.