Major funding boost strengthens Australia's national research infrastructure

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 First Nations data infrastructure. By providing pilot funding of $7.8 million the Government is enabling First Nations communities to better understand what is happening across their land, sea and communities - using information that reflects their knowledge and priorities.

Supporting this nationally significant capability strengthens data sovereignty and ensures decision-making remains in the hands of First Nations communities. With platforms that allow communities to control who can access their data, how it is used, and when access is withdrawn, this approach protects cultural knowledge while enabling safe and responsible data sharing.

This capability will support better outcomes across research and community priorities. By making more data available in a controlled and culturally appropriate way, it will help drive solutions in areas such as health, agriculture and environmental management - supporting stronger communities, protecting Country, and contributing to Australia’s broader research efforts.

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.

“Investing $7.8 million in First Nations data infrastructure, enables communities to access, control and use their data - supporting better decisions for land, sea and community wellbeing.

“Building systems that allow First Nations communities to decide who can access their data and how it is used, enables collaboration that supports important research outcomes.

“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.”