The agreement was signed in Brussels on Thursday evening Australian time by Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science, Senator the Hon Tim Ayres, and European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, Ekaterina Zaharieva. Universities Australia Chief Executive Officer Luke Sheehy joined a group of Australian university and business leaders at the formal signing ceremony.

“This is a big day for Australian research,” Mr Sheehy said.

“I congratulate Minister Ayres and the Albanese Government on getting this done. It has taken years of patient work on both sides.

“Horizon Europe brings together leading researchers from across Europe and around the world to work on the problems that matter most. Australian researchers will now be part of that, working alongside European colleagues and turning good ideas into new industries and jobs here at home.

“Productivity and sovereign capability are national priorities. 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.

“It is also an opportunity for universities right across Australia to take part in and lead international collaborations, and for the next generation of Australian researchers to build careers connected to the world.

“Many people have worked towards this moment, including the Group of Eight and colleagues across the university and research sector. It has been a shared effort.

“This should be the start of a long partnership with Europe. We look forward to working with the Government and our European partners to make sure Australian researchers, students and universities get the most out of it.”

Australia’s participation in Horizon Europe will strengthen international research partnerships, support innovation and commercialisation, and expand opportunities in areas including clean energy, advanced manufacturing, health, critical minerals and emerging technologies.