South Africans punch above their weight in Horizon 2020

South Africans are more successful than researchers from many other richer non-European nations when they apply for funding from the European Commission’s Horizon 2020 programme, according to new data.

South Africa has the fifth highest representation in Horizon 2020 projects among countries outside the EU that do not have association agreements granting them full participation in the programme, according to the data published by the Commission.

The top spot is claimed by the United States, which accounts for 28 per cent of the non-associated third country participation in Horizon 2020 to date. The US is followed by China (9 per cent), Canada (6 per cent) and Australia (5 per cent). South Africa and Brazil share fifth place with 4 per cent each.