Universities Australia fully supports the government's move to explore association to Horizon Europe, having long called for a place in the EU's key funding program for research and innovation.
"I want to congratulate Minister Ayres and the government for taking this very positive step," Universities Australia Chief Executive Officer Mr Luke Sheehy said.
"Horizon Europe is the world's largest collaborative research funding scheme and could connect our researchers with billions of dollars in funding and world-class facilities not available at home.
"This would take their work to the next level - accelerating clean energy advancements, boosting sovereign capability, protecting people from disease and driving prosperity.
"This is life-changing stuff - we can't progress as a nation without the dividends research delivers.
"By exploring association with Horizon Europe, Australia is signalling its intent to be at the cutting-edge of global innovation.
"This is particularly important in a complex geopolitical environment - we need to be strengthening our research alliances to stay ahead of the game, and Horizon Europe is just the ticket.
"Access to this game-changing initiative would supercharge Australian research, unleashing a cycle of innovation through deeper partnerships and supporting our economic development and success."
Mr Sheehy visited Brussels earlier this year to advocate for Australia's involvement in Horizon Europe. He said there was strong appetite to have Australia come on board.
"Australia does world-class research, driven by some of the world's best and brightest minds. It's widely recognised that we have a lot to offer our global peers," Mr Sheehy said.
"Connecting Australian researchers with their European counterparts and billions of dollars in potential funding would take their work to the next level.
"We welcome the start of exploratory talks to join Horizon Europe and encourage swift progress to a formal commitment. The government has our full support through this process."
