Chief Scientist Dr Alan Finkel has issued a media release announcing the release of the National Research Infrastructure Capability Issues Paper.

You can read the media release below or download it as a PDF.

CONSULTATIONS OPEN FOR RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURE PRIORITIES

Australia’s Chief Scientist, Dr Alan Finkel, today opened consultations on Australia’s future research infrastructure priorities with the release of the National Research Infrastructure Capability Issues Paper.

The Issues Paper identifies key areas of research infrastructure capability needed to keep Australian researchers at the forefront of the research endeavour in future decades.

Dr Finkel said identifying key capability areas would allow the Australian Government to focus research national infrastructure investment where it will have the greatest impact.

“If we want world-class research, we need to make sure Australian researchers have access to leading-edge equipment and services,” Dr Finkel said.

“The Issues Paper examines key areas where national research infrastructure investment could enable the strongest results for Australia’s research and innovation.

“But this paper is a foundation, not a finished proposal.

“We need Australia’s research community, industry groups and other interested parties to provide feedback by having their say on these research infrastructure priorities.” Dr Finkel praised the hard work and dedication of the Expert Working Group and the Capability Experts in the developing the paper.

Submissions are welcome and can be made until 9 September 2016. National consultation sessions will take place from 26 July to 5 September.

The Issues Paper is a key step in the development of the 2016 National Research Infrastructure Roadmap, which will guide future government investment. The Roadmap is due to be released by the end of the year.