Today in Brussels Australia's Minister for Industry and Innovation, the Hon Tim Ayres, signed the agreement between Australia and the EU for access to its Horizon Europe initiative.
This marks a moment when Australia's research and development enters into a relationship with the world's largest research and innovation funding programme, worth €95.5 billion.
Monash University Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Sharon Pickering, said the commencement of Australia's association with Horizon Europe will be an important piece of elevating Australia's research as a national asset.
"Formal association with Horizon Europe represents a transformative opportunity for Australia's higher education sector. It will enable our researchers with access to research and development, collaborations with industry and universities and commercialisation opportunities that Australia has, to date, only ever dreamed of," Professor Pickering said.
"As a nation, our economic prosperity is closely linked to our reputation for delivering world-leading and life-saving breakthroughs. Our researchers, universities and research institutions are world class, and this agreement will unlock the door to more of that work being funded for a truly global impact."
From 1 January 2027 Australian researchers will be able to partner with European institutes, universities and industry under the Horizon Europe agreement.
Monash University has had a campus in Prato, Italy for more than 25 years and, via its Monash University European Research Foundation (MUERF) is already deeply integrated into the European research ecosystem, has formed collaborations with Horizon Europe members such as Warwick University, and has been successful in attracting Horizon Europe Pillar 1 and 2 funding.
In July this year Monash researchers, through MUERF, joined a prestigious international group of researchers, cultural practitioners, public institutions and policymakers to secure a €5 million Horizon Europe Pillar 2 grant for Project CULTURAI. The four-year initiative is part of the EU's effort to shape a future in which AI strengthens rather than diminishes creative autonomy.
Monash University contributes a uniquely integrated research team whose expertise spans cultural governance, creative AI and digital design. Monash's team, led by Associate Professor Xin Gu, from the Faculty of Arts, holds the scientific lead on CULTURAI, setting the research agenda for an eleven-partner consortium across Europe.
Associate Professor Gu said that how societies respond to generative AI is a cultural and political choice that must be guided by artistic freedom and social justice.
Professor Robyn Ward AM, Monash University's Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Enterprise and Senior Vice President, said the Australia-Horizon Europe agreement would open new opportunities and deliver lasting benefits for Australia and the wider Asia-Pacific region.
"This landmark agreement is a game-changer for Australian researchers and our partners across the Asia-Pacific. Horizon Europe association offers far more than funding: it unlocks a new era of global impact for our research community. By opening unprecedented investment channels in critical areas like antimicrobial resistance, we will accelerate life-saving medical breakthroughs, protect global health security, and empower Australian expertise to lead multi-national teams addressing our greatest shared challenges."
Professor Cecilia Hewlett, Monash University's Pro Vice-Chancellor (Europe) was present at the Australian-EU Innovation and Industry Roundtable and signing ceremony in Brussels with Minster Ayres, bringing together senior government, research and industry representatives.
"Our established networks across Europe stand ready to leverage this milestone agreement, deepening scientific integration, driving joint innovation, and expanding high-impact research," Professor Hewlett said.
Professor Pickering said a lot of work over a significant period of time had led to Australia's association with Horizon Europe becoming a reality.
"This pivotal step is made possible through the dedicated efforts of the Federal Government and a decade of strategic advocacy from the Group of Eight universities. It strengthens our partnership with a stable, values-aligned political and economic system that supports science without ideology," Professor Pickering said.
The association deal between Australia and Horizon Europe involves Europe's Pillar II programs which are closely aligned to Australia's national interests across health, climate, digital technologies, industry and agriculture.
