Australia joins world’s largest research programme through Horizon Europe

Australia has formally joined Horizon Europe, the world’s largest research and innovation programme, opening new opportunities for its universities, researchers and businesses to collaborate with leading institutions across Europe and accelerate the development of new technologies.

The association agreement was signed in Brussels on Thursday evening, Australian time, by Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science Senator Tim Ayres and European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation Ekaterina Zaharieva. The signing marks a significant step in strengthening Australia's international research links, allowing Australian universities and researchers to participate in collaborative projects alongside European partners and contribute to research addressing major global challenges.

Universities Australia Chief Executive Officer Luke Sheehy, who attended the ceremony alongside Australian university and business leaders, described the agreement as a major milestone for the country's research sector. “This is a big day for Australian research,” Sheehy said, congratulating Minister Ayres and the Albanese Government on securing the agreement after years of negotiations and sustained efforts on both sides. He said Horizon Europe would bring together leading researchers from Europe and other parts of the world, enabling Australian experts to contribute to research with the potential to generate new industries, create jobs and strengthen the country's innovation capacity.

Sheehy said international research partnerships would be particularly important as Australia seeks to improve productivity and strengthen its sovereign capabilities. “International research collaboration helps turn new knowledge into innovation, investment and the industries of the future, and this agreement puts Australia in a stronger position to do that,” he said. Beyond research institutions, the agreement is expected to create opportunities for universities across Australia to participate in and lead international collaborations.

It will also help emerging Australian researchers build global professional networks and pursue careers connected to the international research community. Sheehy acknowledged the contribution of several organisations and stakeholders, including the Group of Eight and colleagues across Australia's university and research sectors, describing the agreement as the outcome of a collective effort.

He said the signing should mark the beginning of a long-term partnership between Australia and Europe, with universities, researchers and students positioned to benefit from closer academic and scientific cooperation. Australia's participation in Horizon Europe is expected to strengthen cross-border research partnerships, support innovation and accelerate the commercialisation of research outcomes.

Key areas of collaboration will include clean energy, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, critical minerals and emerging technologies, sectors considered important to future economic growth and technological development. The agreement also provides Australian researchers and businesses with a wider platform to exchange expertise, develop solutions to shared challenges and translate scientific discoveries into practical applications.

For Australia's higher education and research sector, the move represents an opportunity to deepen global engagement while strengthening the connection between university research, industry innovation and economic development.