Introduction
National Research Infrastructure (NRI) plays a crucial role in delivering breakthroughs in fundamental research, cutting-edge applied research and in facilitating industry engagement in research and development (R&D). It therefore underpins Australia’s sovereign R&D capability. Providing infrastructure to advance research, and its applications requires strategic foresight and nationwide, long-term planning. NRI Roadmaps have been developed every 5 years since 2006 to ensure Australian research is supported by world-class infrastructure which is aligned to Australia’s priorities. One of the key programs for Australia's NRI funding is the Australian Government’s National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) administered by the Department of Education. Additionally, NRI capabilities are also established and supported through other Federal Government portfolios, research funding agencies, state and territory governments, universities, research organisations, and the private sector.
Development of the 2026 NRI Roadmap began in early 2025 when the Department of Education and the ministerially appointed NRI Advisory Group conducted an initial, public consultation survey (the Survey). The Survey asked respondents to identify future research infrastructure needs aligned to the National Science Research Priorities (NSRPs) and the research themes used in the 2021 NRI Roadmap. The Survey also sought input regarding potential new NRI capabilities. This Issues Paper has been developed through ongoing analysis of the Survey responses by the Department of Education and the 2026 NRI Roadmap Expert Working Group (that functions as a subgroup of the NRI Advisory Group).
Issues Paper
This Issues Paper briefly summarises the current policy landscape (Section 1.4), provides a snapshot of the initial consultation survey responses as well as a link to the publicly attributable submissions (Section 3), and seeks input on aspects of NRI applicable to a limited set of topics (Section 2):
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems
the humanities
the research infrastructure workforce
translation and industry
new research infrastructure.
Following analysis of feedback gathered in response to this Issues Paper, outcomes of other government reviews such as the Strategic Examination of Research and Development (SERD), matters drawn from the Survey and other discussions and consultations, an Exposure Draft Roadmap will be released for public consultation. That document is expected to provide a preliminary view of the final 2026 NRI Roadmap.
Townhall Webinar
The NRI Roadmap Expert Working Group (functioning as a subgroup of the ministerially appointed NRI Advisory Group) hosted public Townhall webinars to present this Issues Paper directly to provide context for the Issues Paper and outline the process for engaging in the consultation.
Townhall webinar dates/times:
Registration is now closed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can submissions be made available in a compiled format to assist stakeholders to answer question 13 of the Issues Paper Survey?
We have published the compiled responses to question 35 from the initial 2026 NRI Roadmap Survey into a single document.
How will you engage with diverse stakeholders — including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and industry partners – to develop the 2026 NRI Roadmap?
To develop the 2026 NRI Roadmap, we are engaging with a broad range of stakeholders through public and targeted consultations. Through the first round of consultations, we received over 500 submissions from university, government and industry stakeholders across many disciplines.
The Issues Paper specifically called for feedback on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems (Section 2.1) and translation and industry (Section 2.4). This is being supplemented by targeted virtual discussions with experts in these areas.
We will engage widely on the 2026 NRI Roadmap Exposure Draft and call for input from all interested stakeholders.
How will the 2026 NRI Roadmap align with other strategies and initiatives with respective implications for Australia’s NRI capabilities?
The Issues Paper (Section 1.4) outlined other reviews and strategies that may be considered in developing the 2026 NRI Roadmap. We engage regularly with other areas of Government to provide feedback to and keep abreast of developments in these reviews. Where appropriate the 2026 NRI Roadmap will be aligned with these reviews and strategies.
How are NRI Roadmaps considered by Government, including the delivery of recommendations outlined in the 2026 NRI Roadmap?
Once developed, the 2026 NRI Roadmap will then be presented to Government for consideration. The implementation of next steps is subject to Government approval.
What are the next steps in developing the 2026 NRI Roadmap? How can stakeholders continue to engage throughout the process?
The Expert Working Group, with support from the department, will review the responses received to the Issues Paper Survey in addition to input from our targeted consultations. These views will inform the drafting of the 2026 NRI Roadmap Exposure Draft, which is expected to be accompanied with further targeted and public consultations.
