The Albanese Labor Government has today formally concluded treaty negotiations for Australia's planned association to Horizon Europe, the world's largest research program, in 2027.
Horizon Europe is the European Union's flagship research and innovation funding program worth $155 billion (AUD). The program supports large-scale international collaboration across science, technology and innovation.
Association to Horizon Europe will allow Australian organisations to lead or participate in global research projects, connecting them to large-scale research that will accelerate Australian innovation and economic growth.
The program will help retain Australian talent by enabling researchers and innovators to access world-leading funding while remaining based in Australia.
The Albanese Labor Government is investing in Australia's future, supporting international research collaboration, innovation in Australia, creating jobs and boosting economic growth.
Association to Horizon Europe will also diversify Australia's international partnerships, strengthen economic security, and expand collaboration with European and Indo-Pacific partners and other like-minded countries.
More than 20 countries have associated with Horizon Europe, including Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea and the United Kingdom, and have reported a strong return on investment through increased collaboration and innovation.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science, Tim Ayres:
"This is a significant step in positioning Australia at the forefront of global research and development.
"Horizon Europe will connect Australian researchers to the biggest multilateral research program in the world, spanning clean energy, critical minerals, digital technology and AI, and advanced manufacturing.
"The Ambitious Australia report made it clear that Australia must maximise the value of every dollar spent on research and development. Association to Horizon Europe will turbocharge our efforts to make our economy more productive and innovative.
"I would like to thank the Group of Eight universities for their support of Australia's association. This reflects the strong sector backing for Australia's participation in Horizon Europe, and for deeper global research engagement.
"We are working to finalise arrangements as quickly as possible so that Australians can apply for Horizon Europe grants from early 2027."
