Announced along with the new free trade and security agreements, the fast-tracking of Australia’s association with the European research funding program is good news.
Group of Eight universities Monash and Sydney have welcomed the fast-tracking of Australia’s association with Horizon Europe – the European Union’s main funding program for research and innovation.
The news was one of the three historic announcements made today by prime minister Anthony Albanese and the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen – the others being the signing of the Australia EU free trade agreement and the establishment of the Security and Defence Partnership.
Professor Robyn Ward, Monash University’s deputy vice-chancellor for research and enterprise, said the announcements represented “a major strengthening of Australia’s partnership with Europe”.
“For Monash University, these outcomes will deepen our engagement with Europe’s research and innovation ecosystem and enhance our capacity to deliver globally impactful research, education, and collaboration in support of shared economic prosperity,” she said.
Australia’s association with Horizon Europe would serve as a strategic multiplier for Australia’s efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance, she said.
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“Antimicrobial resistance is a rapidly escalating global health crisis with profound economic and societal consequences, requiring coordinated international action in research and innovation.
“At Monash, we lead Australia’s response to antimicrobial resistance. While our European presence means we can participate in Horizon Europe projects – the world’s largest research and innovation fund – without Australia’s formal association to the program, we have less opportunity to scale clinical trials, or fully engage with major funding opportunities.
“Strengthening ties to Europe through the Australia-EU Free Trade Agreement, alongside formal association with Horizon Europe, will unlock access to significant research investment opportunities.
“This includes substantial upcoming funding in antimicrobial resistance, while embedding Australian research more deeply in global programs and enhancing our capacity to lead internationally.”
Professor Ward said the opportunities for Australia would extend far beyond isolated fields of research.
“For Australia, this is not only about supporting research in a globally significant field in antimicrobial resistance – it’s about positioning our nation at the centre of global innovation, commercialisation and strategic influence,” she said.
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“Expanding access would accelerate translation of Australian-led discoveries, and deliver tangible benefits for people, industry and our health system.”
University of Sydney vice-chancellor and president Professor Mark Scott was similarly delighted by the announcements.
“The decision to join Horizon Europe will reap benefits for Australians, and the world, for decades to come,” he said.
“It empowers Australian researchers to lead and collaborate in projects funded by the world’s largest collaborative research and development platform.
“It recognises the world-class quality of research already done by Australian universities, while enabling us to join our European counterparts and the best researchers around the globe in rising to address the world’s greatest challenges.
“These international networks and collaborations are critical in our race to deliver life-changing research, often based on decades of fundamental and applied research, in partnership with industries and institutions.
“It places Australian researchers and businesses at the centre of a global program for transformative research and will directly impact health, technology, sustainability, and national wellbeing.”
Professor Scott said the University of Sydney would contribute towards the association fee required to join the Horizon Europe program.
“I’m pleased that Australia’s largest universities have taken a leadership role and partnered with government to ensure that we don’t miss this important opportunity,” he said.
“This contribution ensures that researchers working at all Australian universities will have access to this incredible program.”