Policy background
ASEAN is the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and covers Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Burma, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Timor Leste.
Scientific cooperation has been integral to the partnership between the two regions since the 16th ASEAN-EU Ministerial Meeting in 2007.
The strategic partnership with the region is strengthened in the Plan of Action to Implement the ASEAN-EU Strategic Partnership (2023-2027) by enhancing cooperation of STI centres of excellence and the various Science and Technology stakeholders, via Horizon Europe, and relevant ASEAN mechanisms, as well as in coordination with national programmes in ASEAN and the EU, in areas of mutual interest.
The Leader’s Statement from the EU-ASEAN Commemorative Summit in December 2022 commits to deepening our collaboration in science, technology and innovation through stronger research and education links between the regions within Horizon Europe, Erasmus+, and national programmes in ASEAN and EU Member States.
Cooperation in Science and Technology
These efforts are in line with the EU’s Global Approach, which states that the EU will enhance cooperation on R&I with ASEAN. The EU will soon start the next phase of the Joint Funding Scheme, supporting joint research and innovation calls among ASEAN countries and EU Member States and Associated countries. To-date, 9 calls have been successfully published by the Joint Funding Scheme and a 10th call was published in December 2025.
Collaborative regional science and technology activities are developed mainly through the ASEAN-EU Dialogue on Science and Technology. The first bi-annual Dialogue was held in Manila, Philippines, on 6 July 2008.
The 12th EU-ASEAN Dialogue on Science, Technology and Innovation took place in Jakarta, Indonesia on 19 June 2025, reviewing the progress of joint initiatives, such as the ASEAN regional research infrastructure strategy and the ASEAN Technology Management Hub, and discussing deeper cooperation in science diplomacy, start-up support, bioeconomy initiatives, MSCA participation, multilateral health research, and new National Contact Points.
Funding opportunities
Horizon Europe, the European Union’s framework programme for research and innovation, is open to the world, which means that participants from almost any country can participate in most calls. The EU can fund the participation in Horizon Europe collaborative research actions of entities established in EU Member States, in countries Associated to Horizon Europe, and in low- and middle-income countries. Most ASEAN countries (with the exception of Brunei and Singapore) are included in this latter category.
For other countries, in principle*, the EU does not provide funding for the participation of their research entities in collaborative research projects, so they are expected to bring their own funding to the table.
*In exceptional cases, the Commission or the relevant funding body may consider that funding the participation of a legal entity is essential for implementing the action (Article 23.2(b) of the Horizon Europe Regulation)
European Research Council
The European Research Council offers grants to researchers in all research domains for frontier research. Researchers from ASEAN countries are welcome to apply and if selected are eligible for funding to establish a research group in Europe. Grants are available for researchers starting or consolidating their independent career and for advanced researchers. Synergy grants are also available, where a group of 2-4 Principal Investigators (PIs) may include one PI outside the EU or countries associated to Horizon Europe, to tackle together an ambitious research problem, with all funded by the ERC.
Marie Skłodowska Curie Actions
Marie Skłodowska Curie Actions offer fellowships for post-doctoral researchers from ASEAN countries (and other countries) to spend up to 2 years in a European group – or for European researchers to spend up to 2 years in a lab in an ASEAN country. Also offers opportunities for ASEAN institutions to participate in Doctoral Networks and Staff Exchange consortia (ASEAN institutions are self-funded in Doctoral Networks and Staff Exchange).
Projects and programmes
Enhanced Regional EU-ASEAN Dialogue Instrument (E-READI)
EU-funded research projects involving an South East Asian partner
For previous framework programmes, please contact the Research enquiry service.
Publication with 10 Success Stories of the Southeast Asia-Europe Joint Funding Scheme
Contact
Euraxess Asean
Euraxess ASEAN provides access to a complete range of information and support services for researchers in Asean countries wishing to pursue a research career in Europe or looking for collaboration opportunities through Horizon Europe.
National Contact Points
The National Contact Points (NCPs) provide guidance, practical information and assistance on all aspects of participation in Horizon Europe.
European Commission
RTD-04-ASSIST
ec [dot] europa [dot] eu (DG Research and Innovation unit 04: International cooperation)
