The University of Sydney warmly welcomes the landmark announcement that the Australian government will fast track its association with Horizon Europe, the European Union’s key funding program for research and innovation. 

Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Mark Scott said:

“The decision to join Horizon Europe, announced by the Prime Minister and European Commission President today, will be hugely beneficial to Australian researchers and the Australian community. 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. It strengthens Australia’s economic, industrial and innovation partnership with Europe.  

“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.

“All Australians benefit from groundbreaking research whether the creation of a life-saving device or treatment, new energy solutions and approaches to farming, or disaster preparedness.  

“The evidence is also clear that strategic investment in research contributes to economic development and security, including higher productivity. The research of today creates new industries and develops new solutions.  

“Universities create this new knowledge while equipping our students with the skills to adapt to a rapidly-changing future. 

"The University of Sydney as part of the Group of Eight, will contribute towards the association fee required to join the 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. This contribution ensures that researchers working at all Australian universities will have access to this incredible program.  

“The decision to join Horizon Europe will reap benefits for Australians, and the world, for decades to come.”

Horizon Europe facilitates collaboration and strengthens the impact of research and innovation in developing, supporting and implementing EU policies while tackling global challenges. It supports creating and better dispersing of excellent knowledge and technologies. 

It tackles climate change and helps to achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

The indicative funding amount for Horizon Europe for the period 2021-2027 is EUR 93.5 billion ($AU154.85 billion).  

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