Joint media release with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and Minister for Education Jason Clare.

The Australian Government is set to begin treaty negotiations on association to Horizon Europe, which will give Australian organisations access to the world’s largest pooled research fund in 2027.
 
Horizon Europe is the European Union’s flagship research and innovation funding program worth $155 billion (AUD).
 
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.
 
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 Horizon Europe, including Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, and the United Kingdom, and have seen significant return on investment.
 
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.
 
Australia’s association to Horizon Europe will be jointly supported by the Group of Eight universities.
 
Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:
 
“I am pleased to join European Commission President von der Leyen in announcing that we will commence negotiations on association to Horizon Europe for 2027.
 
“By associating with Horizon Europe, we are supporting international research collaboration innovation in Australia, creating jobs and driving productivity to help deliver a Future Made in Australia.
 
“This is a great investment in our future and is testament to the strength of our relationship with the European Union.”
 
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Jason Clare: 
 
“Australia should be rightly proud to be home to some of the world’s most brilliant researchers and the most-cutting edge research.
 
“This will help connect Australian researchers with some of Europe’s best and brightest.
 
“It will help our world-class universities and researchers to work on game-changing projects that are good for Australia and our economy.”
 
Quotes attributable to Minister for Science Tim Ayres:
 
“Horizon Europe will ensure our 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.
 
“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.”