Australia moves towards Horizon Europe membership

The Group of Eight universities (Go8) has said that the Australian Government’s decision to enter exploratory negotiations with the European Union for associate membership to Horizon Europe marks a major milestone in unlocking the potential of Australian research and development to deliver tangible benefits to Australians.

Horizon Europe, the EU’s €95.5 billion flagship research and innovation program, is the world’s largest collaborative R&D platform. The Go8 says associate membership would place Australian universities, businesses and researchers at the heart of global innovation — accelerating breakthroughs that directly impact health, technology, sustainability and national wellbeing.

The Group of Eight comprises Australia’s leading research-intensive universities — the University of Melbourne, the Australian National University, the University of Sydney, the University of Queensland, the University of Western Australia, the University of Adelaide, Monash University and UNSW Sydney.

As the universities responsible for 70% of the nation’s university research effort, the Go8 has advocated for almost a decade for Australia to join Horizon Europe.

“This is a pivotal decision and an important first step,” said Group of Eight Chief Executive Vicki Thomson. “Our future prosperity, national security and global influence depend on our ability to be at the forefront of international research and innovation.”

Go8 universities are already recognised globally for excellence in health and medical sciences, physical sciences, defence, space and artificial intelligence. Formal association with Horizon Europe will allow these institutions to scale their impact — bringing cutting-edge discoveries into homes, hospitals, farms and workplaces across the country.

With €36 billion still available until 2027, and a successor program under negotiation with a proposed budget of €200 billion, the opportunity is immense.

Australia is lagging behind other OECD nations in terms of investment in R&D. The Go8 says that while negotiations are in the early stage, signing up to Horizon Europe would be a game changer for Australia’s research and innovation sector and ensure Australia is not left behind while other nations capitalise on the benefits of research-led innovations.

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