Aotearoa New Zealand joins world’s largest research programme

The treaty formally associating Aotearoa New Zealand to Horizon Europe – the European Union’s €95 billion (NZD$160 billion) flagship research programme – was signed in Brussels on 9 July 2023 during the Prime Minister’s European visit.

Association gives Aotearoa New Zealand scientists the same opportunities to lead major research programmes and contribute to Horizon Europe-funded projects as European scientists. It is the closest level of cooperation available to non-EU countries.

Aotearoa New Zealand was invited to join Horizon Europe’s €53.5 billion (NZD$90 billion) Pillar 2 programme in early 2022.

Pillar 2 focuses on science and technologies and addresses major global challenges such as climate change, energy, health and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

Global connectivity is a key objective of Te Ara Paerangi Future Pathways, the Government’s research, science and innovation transformation programme.

Association will help Aotearoa New Zealand researchers to build international connections, showcase the quality of our research and researchers internationally, and provide access to knowledge that helps to solve our own national challenges.

Find out more about Horizon Europe

Win for Kiwi researchers through cooperation with Europe(external link) — Beehive.govt.nz