The International Conference on Research Infrastructures (ICRI) has commenced in Brisbane, and will explore the critical role of research infrastructure (RI) in addressing complex global challenges; from climate change and food sustainability to pandemic preparedness and understanding the universe.
ICRI is the world's premier research infrastructure conference and will run from 3 to 5 December.
Australia's national science agency, CSIRO, is delivering ICRI 2024 in cooperation with the European Commission and the Australian Department of Education.
CSIRO chief executive, Dr Doug Hilton, said the conference will focus on the equipment, systems and networks that make so much of modern research possible.
"ICRI is a vital platform for building research infrastructure capabilities. It brings together experts from across diverse geographies and scientific disciplines, encouraging collaboration on complex, global research challenges," Dr Hilton said.
"By hosting this event in Brisbane, we are highlighting Australia's commitment to scientific excellence and showcasing our leadership in science research and innovation on a global stage."
Research infrastructure covers large-scale facilities such as synchrotrons, lasers, neutron sources, electron microscopy, quantum and high-performance computing (HPC), artificial intelligence, and astronomy.
ICRI 2024 will be a hybrid event, held both in person and online, to ensure the greatest possible level of global involvement and benefit from the sessions held.
Conference attendees will hear from more than 90 global research experts about the world's best strategies and networks for efficient, effective and accessible use of research infrastructure, to improve collaboration, and deliver societal impact.
Australia was chosen as host to ensure the greatest possible attendance from Southeast Asian and Pacific nations, to increase their ability to network and collaborate with the global research infrastructure community.
Tony Cook, Secretary of the Australian Government Department of Education, said ICRI is a chance to demonstrate one of the great strengths of Australia's research infrastructure: its emphasis on collaboration.
"In an age of increasing complexity, future technological progress will be largely driven by research that occurs across disciplinary boundaries, aiming to solve grand-scale problems," Mr Cook said.
"ICRI 2024 helps to build these links, and showcases Australia's National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) model, which underpins so much of the collaboration within Australia's research sector."
For the first time ICRI will cover Indigenous knowledge with Maori, Lakota, Sami, and Australian First Nations peoples discussing how to build ethical, meaningful and respectful collaborations with local and Indigenous communities.
ICRI 2024 will also hear from global early career scientists as they pitch their visionary ideas for the research infrastructures the world will need by 2050.
Those attending the conference in person will be able to make further connections through side events, meetings and site tours designed to enhance engagement, foster networking opportunities, and deliver valuable insights.
To celebrate ICRI, and showcase the power of research infrastructure, CSIRO has brought its immersive 3D marine science experience to QUT's Gardens Point campus for a month. INVESTIGATE takes the audience on a deep dive into the research delivered by Australia's 94-metre advanced ocean research vessel (RV) Investigator, operated by CSIRO on behalf of the nation.
Funded primarily by the European Commission, ICRI is held every two years, alternating between the EU and other nations.
