The Federal Government has announced the 2021 National Research Infrastructure (NRI) Roadmap, which envisions spending $900 million over five years in tools, technology, and skills to boost Australia’s research competitiveness worldwide.
Making the announcement, Acting Minister for Education and Youth Stuart Robert noted that financing stability in the research and innovation industries, especially through the National Manufacturing Priorities, would increase Australia’s comparative advantage.
“Our National Research Infrastructure gives researchers the critical skills, facilities and services they need to carry out leading-edge research,” Minister Robert said.
“The roadmap provides clear direction for investment in research infrastructure to support them to innovate on a macro and micro level.
“At a practical level, they will be able to generate nationally significant and interoperable data sets, run simulations on world-class computing facilities, and access advanced manufacturing and fabrication services.”
The NRI roadmap was created in collaboration with the research community during the previous year.
The Australian National Fabrication Facility, Australian Research Data Commons, Bioplatforms Australia, and the Integrated Marine Observing System are all recommended for sustained support.
The plan underlines that Australia’s capacity to maintain and improve its research competitiveness, as well as its ability to execute on national goals and harness international collaboration, will be bolstered by a highly-skilled workforce.
“We know that further investment is essential for our universities and research institutions to continue delivering world-class outcomes, retain their research staff, recruit talent, and drive the vision set out in the roadmap,” Minister Robert added.
“The 10-year roadmap will ensure research infrastructure remains relevant and responsive to the needs of Australia’s world-class research and innovation sectors.”
You can access the 2021 National Research Infrastructure Roadmap at dese.gov.au/national-research-infrastructure/resources/2021-national-research-infrastructure-roadmap
