Universities Australia Chief Executive Officer Luke Sheehy will travel to the United Kingdom and Brussels next week to press Australia's case for deeper international research and education partnerships that support national security, innovation and economic resilience.
With the AUKUS agreement entering a critical implementation phase and global research alliances being reshaped by growing geopolitical uncertainty, the visit will focus on building strategic partnerships that bolster Australia's sovereign research capability and global competitiveness.
Mr Sheehy will meet with senior government officials, university leaders, business leaders and research agencies to strengthen Australia's ties with the United Kingdom and European Union.
"In a more complex and contested world, we need to double down on trusted partnerships that advance Australia's interests through research and skills," Mr Sheehy said.
"AUKUS is not just a defence agreement. It is a national science, technology and workforce project, and our universities are central to delivering it. Likewise, access to Horizon Europe would supercharge our research ecosystem, opening doors to billion-dollar international collaborations."
The visit comes at a pivotal time for Australia's higher education sector, as the Albanese Government pushes ahead to deliver on key reforms, introduce a new approach to international education and chart a path toward a more sovereign and secure research system.
Highlights of the itinerary include:
- keynote participation in the International Higher Education Forum in Birmingham, including panels on soft power and science diplomacy
- a visit to the University of Derby's Nuclear Skills Academy to explore UK models for AUKUS workforce development
- high-level talks with the European Commission and Australian Embassy in Brussels, and
- roundtables with UK Vice-Chancellors and senior leaders.
"This visit is about ensuring Australia is seen as a reliable, capable research partner and reaffirming the role of our universities in delivering for the nation," Mr Sheehy said.
