Submission to the 2026 National Research Infrastructure Roadmap Exposure Draft Consultation
ATSE recommends establishing an independent body supporting governance and planning for the National Research Infrastructure system.
Innovation and capacity building depend on access to research infrastructure.
The Exposure Draft of the 2026 National Research Infrastructure (NRI) Roadmap outlines an ambitious but necessary vision for a more effective and strategic NRI ecosystem.
Delivering this vision will require secure, long-term funding, including for the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) program. ATSE recommends establishing an independent body supporting governance and planning for the NRI system, reducing the impacts of fragmentation. Underpinning this is the need to support the skilled NRI workforce: the people who enable research infrastructure to be used to its potential.
ATSE makes the following recommendations for delivering the 2026 National Research Infrastructure Roadmap:
Recommendation 1: Convert NCRIS to an ongoing program with indexed base funding and a rolling ten-year investment plan tied to each Roadmap, with post-2028–29 arrangements confirmed well before current agreements expire.
Recommendation 2: Develop a nationally coordinated approach to translation research infrastructure, including access pathways for industry users.
Recommendation 3: Deliver the NRI Workforce Strategy committed in the 2021 Roadmap, including multi-year funding for critical roles.
Recommendation 4: Establish a standing, independent NRI body to support governance and whole-of-lifecycle planning, including a Commonwealth–state/territory NRI compact.
19
Mar
2025
Submission to the 2026 National Research Infrastructure Roadmap consultation survey
The architecture of National Research Infrastructure enables Australia to develop and deliver outcomes from its research strengths. The 2026 NRI Roadmap will facilitate consideration of emerging opportunities and guiding investment decisions using the renewed National Science and Research Priorities.
Infrastructure
Research translation
Science
26
Mar
2025
Submission to the National Research Infrastructure Workforce Survey
National Research Infrastructure forms the basis for much of Australia’s research capability, including research with international collaborators. These facilities can only run with the expertise of their highly skilled workforce.
STEM careers
Infrastructure
Science
