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.
