Australia’s tech and engineering academy has welcomed confirmation today that Australia intends to work with the European Union to join Horizon Europe, the EU’s flagship research funding program, in 2027.
The commitment was confirmed today in Federal Parliament by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, as she announced the finalisation of the Europe-Australia Free Trade Agreement.
Horizon Europe is the EU’s key fund to support research and innovation, with a budget of more than €95 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.
“This is welcome news for Australian researchers and industry.
“Being a part of Horizon Europe will allow Australia’s world-class researchers to apply for grant funding and open the door to new international collaborations, allowing ground-up access to the 95% of new knowledge created outside Australia.
“It will help make Australian R&D more competitive, opening up new connections, and strengthen international relationships.
“It will mean more jobs and opportunities for our talented researchers here in Australia, joining the ranks of other non-EU countries like Canada and New Zealand who are already a part of Horizon Europe.
“And when we work together with international partners, we’re better equipped to innovate and solve the sorts of complex problems that don’t just benefit from global collaboration, they require it.
“ATSE welcomes the news today and the progress that’s been made, and we look forward to working with the Government on this important international collaboration, as we already do with successful initiatives like Australia’s Global Science and Technology Diplomacy Fund - Strategic Element.”
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