New Zealand researchers and organizations can now apply to participate in the second pillar of Horizon Europe, the largest research and innovation program of the European Union (EU), on an equal footing with EU researchers.
Ayesha Verrall, New Zealand’s Minister for Research, Science and Innovation, said: “This will enable deeper scientific collaboration on pressing global challenges such as climate change, energy and global health.”
“Our researchers and organizations now have unprecedented access to professional networks and world-class scientific infrastructures to address these issues that affect us all. Researchers must seize the opportunity to collaborate and lead large-scale initiatives,” said Verrall.
The agreement makes New Zealand one of the first non-European countries eligible to participate in the Horizon Europe programme, the EU’s largest research and innovation programme, with more than 90 billion euros (about 153 billion New Zealand dollars) of financing available over 7 years (from 2021 to 2027).
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Creating international connections through Horizon is a key pillar of the Te Ara Paerangi Future Pathways science reforms announced last year.
The second pillar focuses on science that addresses major global challenges, such as climate change, energy and health, and on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Our researchers and organizations now have unprecedented access to professional networks and world-class scientific infrastructures”
There are open calls that close in March or April 2023. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Enterprise (MBIE) will hold a tour this month to promote these opportunities and support New Zealand researchers with the information they need to submit their candidacy.
The transitional agreement between New Zealand and the European Commission allowing New Zealand researchers to apply under the second pillar of Horizon Europe will remain in place until the New Zealand Council of Ministers approves and signs a formal partnership agreement with the EU. Accepted applications will go to contracts (grant agreements).
