November 9, 2026 (BERLIN, GERMANY) – U15 Canada and the German U15 have issued a joint statement urging deeper Canadian integration into European research programs, including the successor to Horizon Europe. The statement was signed at a meeting between the presidents of Canada and Germany’s leading research universities on the sidelines of the Falling Walls Science Summit, where Canada is the lead country for 2026.
The joint statement comes just days after the Canada-EU summit in Montreal, during which Canada and the European Union committed to launch negotiations on Canada’s participation in future European research programs.
Leading research universities in Canada and Germany support this vision and are recommending actions to translate this political commitment into meaningful research collaboration. This includes ensuring a mechanism for Canada’s swift re-association to the successor research program, deeper participation for Canadian researchers in Pillar 1 programs such as the European Research Council and Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions and opportunities to expand student and researcher mobility.
“Canada’s association with Horizon Europe has created a strong foundation for deeper research collaboration with trusted partners in Europe, including research universities in Germany. Since associating to Pillar II in 2024, collaboration between Canadian and European researchers has gained momentum”, said Robert Asselin, CEO of U15 Canada.
“Now we must build on that momentum. Deepening research collaboration supports the flow of knowledge and advanced technologies that will help Canadians and Europeans overcome shared challenges, realize new opportunities and advance our collective economic security”, added Mr. Asselin.
About U15 Canada
U15 Canada is an association of fifteen leading research universities across Canada. U15 Canada works to optimize research and innovation policies and programs that advance knowledge, develop highly-qualified leaders for all sectors, and mobilize knowledge for the benefit of all Canadians. In this way, U15 Canada seeks to help Canadian universities make a prosperous, sustainable and just future for all.
For further information, please contact:
James Hammond, Director of Public Affairs
james.hammond@u15.ca
613-715-4764
-30-
09-11-26 – Press Release – U15 Canada – Canada-German U15 Joint Statement