Our department has started non-binding exploratory talks with the European Commission (EC) on Australia’s possible association to Horizon Europe.
Horizon Europe is the European Union’s (EU) flagship research and innovation program. The $170 billion (EUR 95.5 billion) program runs on a 7-year cycle and is the world’s largest pooled research funding program for international science and innovation collaboration.
The talks involve a series of technical discussions. These will consider details and principles of a possible future association agreement before the Australian Government decides whether to engage in official negotiations.
Horizon Europe has 20 non-EU associated countries. It is the closest form of international cooperation in science and technology between the EU and a non-EU country. Associate status would allow Australian researchers access to funding and the ability to lead projects.
The EU and Australia have a long history of working together on productive research. Building global partnerships in research and innovation has always been important for Australia’s productivity and economy, and is an important means of addressing shared challenges.
To help the talks, we are seeking feedback from Australian entities, including:
- universities
- research centres
- small and medium enterprises
- industry
- academia
- learned academies
- peak bodies
- federal, state and territory government agencies.
We are looking for views about possible association to Horizon Europe. Responses will help the government decide on actions that advance our national interest.