Investing in Australian research to deliver for all Australians

Australia and the European Union have today signed the agreement that provides Australian researchers and organisations with access to Horizon Europe, the world’s largest research and innovation fund, worth around $155 billion (AUD). 

From 1 January 2027, Australian universities, research organisations, businesses and industry can join Horizon Europe Framework Programme 9 Pillar II projects. 

Australian scientists and researchers will be able to access 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.

The Australian Government's investment of approximately $20 million (AUD) matched by Group of Eight universities, for a total of around $40 million (AUD), will unlock access to the $155 billion (AUD) program for Australian researchers, scientists and businesses.

Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science Tim Ayres and EU Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation Ekaterina Zaharieva signed the agreement in Brussels, Belgium as part of the treaty-making process for Australia’s association to Horizon Europe.

International partnerships and sovereign research capability are key to advancing industrial competitiveness and a Future Made in Australia. 

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.

Australia’s association to Horizon Europe is jointly supported by the Group of Eight universities.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science Tim Ayres:

“Horizon Europe is a $155 billion (AUD) boon for Australian science, research and innovation.

“Ambitious Australia set us a clear challenge: build a more connected research and innovation system with the scale to deliver greater impact. Horizon Europe will help us meet that challenge.

“The big challenges facing Australia and the world cannot be solved by any one country working alone. This agreement connects Australian researchers and innovators with leading international expertise in areas including climate, energy, health and emerging technologies.

“It will open doors for Australian researchers and businesses to lead projects, build global partnerships and compete for funding through the world’s largest multinational research and innovation funding program.

“I thank the European Union and Australia’s research sector, including the Group of Eight, for their work in bringing us to this point.”