Australian organisations could gain access to the world’s largest pooled research fund by early 2027, as the federal government begins treaty negotiations on association to Horizon Europe, the European Union’s $155 billion flagship research and innovation funding program.
Horizon Europe’s large pool of funding attracts talented researchers and allows research projects at a scale that would be difficult for Australia to achieve alone. More than 20 countries have associated with the program, including Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, and the United Kingdom, and have seen significant return on investment.
Once associated, Australian organisations can access the current round of Horizon Europe funding to lead and participate in research projects with the brightest minds, including on critical technologies, advanced computing, climate and clean energy, health, and critical minerals.
Australia’s association to Horizon Europe will be jointly supported by the Group of Eight universities – The Australian National University, University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, University of New South Wales, University of Queensland, Monash University, University of Western Australia, and Adelaide University.
Minister for Science, Tim Ayres, said Horizon Europe will ensure Australian researchers have the resources and the partnerships they need to tackle the biggest challenges of our time, from climate change to cutting-edge technology and the next generation of healthcare.
“The independent Ambitious Australia report released last week laid out the importance of making every Aussie research dollar count. Collaborating through Horizon Europe has a multiplier effect and is good value for money,” said Ayres.
“Association to Horizon Europe, supported by partners at Australia’s Group of Eight universities, will facilitate access to joint projects with the EU and other associated countries, while also allowing our industry, science and research sectors to lead projects in the Indo-Pacific. This is a great example of international research cooperation at a time when the world needs more constructive collaboration.”
The decision was announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and European Commission (EC) President Ursula von der Leyen on 24 March, alongside the new Australia-European Union Free Trade Agreement (A-EU FTA) and Australia-European Union Security and Defence Partnership.
In her address to the Australian Parliament, von der Leyen said joining the world's largest research and innovation programme will put Australian researchers alongside Europe's to create tomorrow's technologies.
“It is our common responsibility to find solutions to power the planet we leave our children. This is why I am so pleased that Australia is considering entering Horizon Europe. Whether in clean tech, quantum or dual use capabilities, our brightest minds are coming together,” she said.
Following the conclusion of the treaty process, it is expected Australian organisations will be able to apply for Horizon Europe research calls from early 2027.
