The European Commission has formally opened negotiations with Australia for association to the bloc’s research and innovation programme; Horizon Europe. Non-binding exploratory talks started last year.
Australia already participates in more than 200 projects under the scheme, which has a budget of €95.5 billion for the 2021-2027 period. The European Commission said that association would allow Australian organisations to access funding directly from the programme on similar terms to EU member states, and other associated countries. “This would enable more ambitious long-term collaboration between researchers, businesses and public institutions, while reducing administrative barriers and aligning efforts within a single framework,” the Commission said in a statement.
Following the conclusion of the treaty process, Australian organisations should be able to apply for Horizon Europe research calls from early 2027. Australia’s Association to Horizon Europe is jointly supported by the Group of 8 Australia, a coalition of Australia's eight leading research-intensive universities.
This development comes as Australia’s government released a report: Ambitious Australia – Strategic Examination of R&D. Compiled by an independent panel of academic and industry experts, the report concludes that: “Key elements of Australia’s research, development and innovation (RD&I) system need bold reform. Australia is a wealthy nation with substantial opportunities and many success of which to be proud, yet we are not fully harnessing our successes to invest in a better future.” The panel added that there had to be a “commitment to bring the elements of Australia’s RD&I system together under a clear vision,”
Australia’s minister for science, Tim Ayres said the report laid out the importance of making every research dollar count. He said: "Collaborating through Horizon Europe has a multiplier effect and is good value for money.”
Ayres added: “Association to Horizon Europe, supported by partners at Australia’s Group of Eight universities, will facilitate access to joint projects with the EU and other associated countries, while also allowing our industry, science and research sectors to lead projects in the Indo-Pacific."
Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen said: “I am so pleased that Australia is considering entering Horizon Europe. Horizon is the world’s largest research and innovation programme. So, joining it will put Australian researchers alongside Europe’s to create tomorrow’s technologies. Whether in clean tech, quantum or dual use capabilities. Our brightest minds are coming together.”
More than 20 countries have associated with Horizon Europe, including Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea and the UK.
Further reading:
- Horizon Europe: Australia starts talks on association with giant research programme
- South Korea expands the global reach of Horizon Europe
- UK and EU science rejoice as Horizon Europe and Copernicus standoff is resolved
- New Zealand is now a part of Horizon Europe. The UK is not. Time for Plan Z?
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