Submission to the 2026 National Research Infrastructure Roadmap consultation survey

The architecture of National Research Infrastructure (NRI) enables Australia to develop and deliver outcomes from its research strengths. The 2026 NRI Roadmap will fine-tune this system, facilitating consideration of emerging opportunities and guiding investment decisions using the renewed National Science and Research Priorities. Building-in collaboration agreements and workforce development will enable Australia to obtain more value from its research infrastructure, supporting future commercial development and sustaining our standing in the global scientific community

Over the past two decades, the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) has been vital for effectively maintaining research infrastructure. While this forms the basis for much of Australia’s capability, there remain some significant gaps for priority areas such as artificial intelligence and climate research. The 2026 NRI Roadmap is an opportunity to stabilise existing facilities with ongoing maintenance and operational funding, and set up important new facilities that will enhance Australia’s research outcomes.

ATSE makes the following recommendations for the 2026 NRI Roadmap:

Recommendation 1: Establish a government agency to coordinate all government research funding, including research infrastructure funding.

Recommendation 2: Apply the Infrastructure Australia Assessment Framework to evaluate proposals for new research infrastructure.

Recommendation 3: Expand research infrastructure access for industry-based users, including SMEs and startups.

Recommendation 4: Provide secure funding and a roadmap for high-performance computing for weather and climate research.

Recommendation 5: Establish shared-use infrastructure for artificial intelligence and machine learning research.

Recommendation 6: Embed data sovereignty and sharing into national research infrastructure management.

Recommendation 7: Deliver the NRI Workforce Strategy.