Access to Horizon Europe research fund one step closer
ATSE has welcomed the Australian Government’s confirmation that they have formally concluded treaty negotiations for Australia’s association to Horizon Europe.
Australia’s tech and engineering academy has welcomed the Australian Government’s confirmation today that they have formally concluded treaty negotiations for Australia’s association to Horizon Europe.
Joining Horizon Europe gives Australia's world-class researchers access to grant funding and opens the door to new international collaborations, providing direct access to the 95% of new knowledge generated beyond our borders.
Horizon Europe is the EU’s key fund to support research and innovation, with a budget of more than €95 billion (approximately AU$155 billion). It invests in research and development addressing key areas such as climate change adaptation, AI, and biotechnology.
At ATSE’s international CAETS 2025: Generations symposium in Brisbane in September last year, Minister for Science Tim Ayres announced that Australia was exploring signing up to Horizon Europe.
Commencing negotiations to join Horizon Europe has been a longstanding ask of the research sector, including in ATSE’s 2025-26 pre-budget submission, and was confirmed in the 2026-27 Federal Budget.
Quotes attributable to Professor Kylie Walker AM, CEO, ATSE:
“Australia is now one very important step closer to formally joining Horizon Europe, which is great to see.
“And it’s heartening to see the process moving so quickly, after Minister Ayres announced that this was a possibility at ATSE’s CAETS international symposium just nine months ago.
“We particularly welcome the Government flagging that they intend to finalise the process in time for Australians to apply for Horizon Europe grants from early 2027.
"Joining Horizon Europe gives Australia's world-class researchers access to grant funding and opens the door to new international collaborations, providing direct access to the 95% of new knowledge generated beyond our borders.
“By aligning with Pillar II of the program, Australia will be able to work internationally across key priority areas including critical minerals, space and advanced computing.
"It means more jobs and opportunities for our talented researchers here at home, placing Australia alongside other non-EU nations like Canada and New Zealand who are already active members of Horizon Europe.
