Japan has officially joined the EU’s research and innovation program Horizon Europe today, and scientists from that country will now be able to join and lead international research consortia, receive EU funding, and work together with leading research institutions on global challenges.
The European Commission announced that Japan, with a population of 123 million, is the most populous country to join the Horizon program and will contribute one of the most advanced and innovative ecosystems to the European scientific cooperation network.
The agreement between Japan and the EU allows Japanese researchers and organizations to be part of Horizon Europe under the same conditions as EU member states and other associated countries.
“Science flourishes when talents, ideas, and innovations cross borders. As the 23rd country to join the program, Japan strengthens a growing global community that believes openness, excellence, and international cooperation are key to turning research into innovation and innovation into prosperity,” said European Commissioner for Startups, Research, and Innovation Ekaterina Zaharieva.
The Government of Japan and the Commission concluded negotiations on joining Horizon in December last year, and since January, thanks to transitional arrangements, Japanese entities have been able to apply for calls from the program’s second pillar (Horizon Europe Pillar II) with a budget of 52.4 billion euros.
With a budget of 93.5 billion euros for the period 2021-2027, Horizon Europe is the EU’s leading research and innovation program.
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