Science & Technology Australia (STA) welcomes the announcement of 53 projects to receive a share of $323.7 million as part of the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS).
STA President Jas Chambers said the funding provides certainty and sustainability for critical enablers of the research system.
"The broad range of capabilities and organisations supported through today's funding announcement demonstrates the extent of Australia's research infrastructure system and the breadth of work it supports across Government portfolios as diverse as defence, health, technology, emergency management, infrastructure planning and agriculture," Ms Chambers said.
A key example of this is $58 million for CoastRI, which will improve Australia's coastal monitoring capability through a national network of sensors and drones, providing a real-time picture of how our coastlines are changing.
"CoastRI is NCRIS collaboration at its very best, built from more than a dozen existing capabilities to ensure we can build critical data about Australia's unique environment, essential for long-term planning and decision-making."
"This kind of collaboration underpins the success of NCRIS, built over 20 years, delivering strategic and effective value for Government investment. We welcome the leadership from Assistant Minister for International Education Julian Hill in announcing this funding support for research."
STA will continue to work with the Government on the implementation of the Ambitious Australia report, which included a recommendation for a committee to provide strategy, accountability and coordination for national research infrastructure, including NCRIS facilities.
"There are many important infrastructure projects that have been funded today, benefiting the academic and industry researchers who need these enhanced capabilities to build upon their existing work. But we know there are many who missed out. This highlights the importance of a clear strategy and sustainable funding."
"The forthcoming 2026 National Research Infrastructure Roadmap, alongside the implementation of the Ambitious Australia report, is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to back Australia's entire research infrastructure ecosystem with the coordinated vision it deserves. A bold, nationally connected plan that recognises the value of the entire system - ensuring it continues to power Australian Government priorities, commitments and responsibilities, while underpinning the world-class research capability that drives our future prosperity, innovation and global leadership," Ms Chambers said.
