The European Commission and the Australian Government have begun discussing their scientific cooperation through Australia’s affiliation with Horizon Europe, the EU’s flagship research and innovation programme
Although that is nonetheless within the early levels of dialogue, these non-binding technical talks mark a big step in direction of a doable formal settlement that would see Australia extra immediately concerned in one of many world’s most formidable initiatives.
Strengthening a longstanding research relationship
Australia and the European Union have an extended historical past of productive research collaboration. Their scientific partnerships date again over three many years, with the 1994 Agreement on Science and Technology Cooperation laying the foundations for sustained bilateral efforts. This settlement was later amended in 1999 and was the primary of its sort between the EU and an industrialised nation.
Since this collaboration has been guided and reviewed through common conferences of the Australia-EU Joint Science and Technology Cooperation Committee (JSTCC), the newest gathering came about in Brussels in April 2024. These boards assist to form research priorities and be sure that initiatives align with the evolving wants and strategic targets of each events.
Focus on Pilar II
The present talks are centred round Australia’s potential affiliation with Pillar II of Horizon Europe. This pillar focuses on addressing world challenges and boosting Europe’s industrial competitiveness through worldwide research collaboration. It covers essential sectors such as digital technologies, industrial innovation, renewable energy, space exploration, and health research.
If an settlement is reached, Australian researchers will have the ability to entry Horizon Europe funding, take part as mission leaders and collaborate extra simply with European counterparts. In return, Australia will make a monetary contribution to this system, commensurate with its stage of participation.
What would affiliation imply?
Being related to Horizon Europe is the closest stage of cooperation doable between the EU and non-member nations within the area of research and innovation. Currently, 20 non-EU nations are related to the programme, benefiting from direct entry to funding and inclusion in EU-led research consortia.
For Australia, becoming a member of this group would mark a big elevation of its worldwide science and innovation profile, whereas additionally granting its research establishments and innovators new alternatives to collaborate on cutting-edge initiatives with world affect.
Scientific progress
International cooperation in research and innovation remains to be a precedence for the European Commission. Its affiliation coverage is grounded within the “Global Approach to Research and Innovation,” which emphasises the significance of openness, excellence, and world partnership.
The exploratory dialogue with Australia displays this dedication to fostering sturdy worldwide ties that speed up scientific breakthroughs, support the green and digital transitions, and build a resilient innovation ecosystem.
As the technical talks proceed, either side will assess the sensible, authorized, and monetary facets of a doable settlement. While no timeline for a choice has been introduced, the initiation of those discussions alerts a shared intent to deliver Australia closer to Europe’s scientific and innovation panorama.
If profitable, affiliation with Horizon Europe would provide Australia a front-row seat in tackling world challenges, along with Europe, through science, research, and innovation.