The Australian Government has committed an additional $323.7 million through two National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) funding rounds, targeting priority research infrastructure areas while also strengthening and securing existing capabilities.
- $274.1 million will be invested in 28 ‘Step Change’ projects targeting priority research infrastructure areas, supporting the development of new and emerging capabilities.
- A further $49.6 million will support 25 projects to secure and sustain existing research infrastructure, securing and enhancing access to critical national capabilities.
Celebrating its 20th year, NCRIS has grown into one of Australia’s most extensive and integrated research infrastructure programs, spanning an extraordinary breadth of disciplines and capabilities.
Over two decades, NCRIS-supported facilities have played a key role in addressing national priorities, spanning the full research spectrum – from biosecurity and agriculture to marine science, astronomy, data platforms, emerging technologies and advanced manufacturing.
This scale is matched by its collaborative design, bringing together universities, research institutions, industry partners and government agencies to share access to nationally significant infrastructure that no single organisation could deliver or maintain alone.
This national approach ensures cutting edge infrastructure is not siloed, but instead supports multidisciplinary sectors maximising the value of government investment and strengthening Australia’s overall research ecosystem.
While cutting-edge facilities, instruments and data platforms are essential, NCRIS recognises that research infrastructure is more than just the kit. It funds both the kit and the expertise behind it – highly trained technical specialists, data scientists, and facility managers who ensure researchers can fully leverage these capabilities.
NCRIS ensures Australia’s research assets are not only world-class, but also accessible, well-maintained and continuously improved. This combination has driven sustained impact over 20 years, positioning Australia to address current challenges and seize future opportunities.
One area seeing major benefit is Australia’s Coastal Monitoring Capability, through CoastRI. By investing $58 million in a nationwide network of sensors and drones, the Government is building a clearer, real-time picture of how our coastlines are changing – producing data that is tailored to Australia’s unique environment and critical for long-term planning.
Supporting this nationally significant capability strengthens Australia’s ability to respond to coastal change with confidence. CoastRI will provide essential information to protect homes, businesses, infrastructure and shipping routes, while also identifying the best locations for offshore renewable energy and sustainable fishing operations.
This capability will help communities, industries and governments plan ahead. By predicting how coastlines will evolve, CoastRI will enable targeted action to safeguard agriculture and fisheries, guide future housing development, and protect our unique natural environment – building resilience for Australia’s coastal future.
Quotes attributable to the Assistant Minister for International Education, Julian Hill:
“NCRIS gives incredible bang for buck, with every dollar invested multiplying its impact through shared national facilities, supporting thousands of researchers and hundreds of businesses to unlock major economic and societal benefits.
“Now celebrating its 20th anniversary, one of the really special things about NCRIS is that it funds both equipment and people. Put simply, scientists need cutting edge kit, but top global talent is the key to really unlocking the benefits of even the coolest new toys.
“Australia’s future will be heavily impacted by how well we understand and manage our changing coastlines. Investing in CoastRI, launches a nationally coordinated network of sensors and drones that deliver real-time, Australia-specific data to support better decisions for communities, industry and the environment.
“The scale and complexity of coastal change means this capability must be shared across the country. Making CoastRI accessible to researchers and decision-makers nationwide through NCRIS ensures Australia can plan ahead and strengthen resilience along our coastlines.
“Through NCRIS, the Government is not only supporting cutting-edge facilities, but also the expertise needed to translate data into real-world outcomes. This is about ensuring Australia remains globally competitive, while building a more productive, resilient and forward-looking economy now and for the next generation.”
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