World’s leading research infrastructure conference heads down under

Australia, in cooperation with the European Commission, will proudly host this year’s major forum for the global research infrastructure community, the International Conference on Research Infrastructures (ICRI).

ICRI2024 will be held in Brisbane between 3 – 5 December, bringing together invited policymakers, research institution leaders, research infrastructure operators and users from around the world. Delegates will explore trends in research infrastructures, including the use of emerging digital technologies, opportunities for expanding global partnerships, and contributions to the mitigation and adaptation of climate change.

Director of European Research Area & Innovation at the Research and Innovation Directorate General of the European Commission, Anna Panagopoulou, said “the European Commission is delighted to hold ICRI in Brisbane this year. Research infrastructures play a critical role in enabling the cutting-edge research and innovation needed to address global challenges. ICRI provides a forum to share the latest advances, and join informative sessions that will support the strategy, performance and capability of research infrastructures globally.”

This year’s conference in Brisbane will be a hybrid face-to-face/online event with keynote speakers, panels, and moderated discussions. Sideline events throughout the week will include tours of research facilities, a social function, bilateral engagements and other recreational experiences. 

Australia’s Chief Scientist, Dr Cathy Foley, said “research infrastructure is critical for advancing science. ICRI brings together the global community to share ideas, approaches and priorities. The conference in December will bring the community together as we look to science more than ever to solve our greatest challenges.”

“Through the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS), we’ve learned many important lessons over the last twenty years,” added Dom English, First Assistant Secretary for Research, in Australia’s Department of Education.

“NCRIS benefits around 90,000 Australian researchers, 9,000 international researcher partners, and countless Australian businesses every year that access this world-class infrastructure.”

ICRI 2024 will be delivered by CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency. CSIRO hosts research infrastructure on behalf of the nation including the Australia Telescope National Facility, Australia’s 94-metre ocean research vessel (RV) Investigator, and the Pawsey Supercomputing Research Centre. It also works with international partners such as the European Space Agency, NASA and the SKA Observatory to operate major science research facilities.

CSIRO’s Chief Executive Dr Doug Hilton said “the ability to do great science and tackle the big scientific questions Australia is facing relies on first class research infrastructure. As the national science agency, CSIRO is proud to be a part of Australia’s vibrant research infrastructure community and delighted to join with our partners to deliver ICRI 2024. We look forward to welcoming global experts, especially from our Indo-Pacific neighbours, to inform and refine our future research infrastructure requirements and best practice.”

Register your interest in ICRI 2024 and stay tuned for further details about attendance, speakers, and program highlights.

About the location

ICRI 2024 will take place in the beautiful city of Brisbane (Meanjin), home of the Turrbal and Jagera People. Brisbane offers a dynamic blend of natural beauty, delectable cuisine, warm Australian hospitality, and modern amenities. It is home to four world-class universities, more than 100 pioneering health and biotech facilities and a strong business and entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Brisbane is close to some of Australia’s most famous coastal regions, including the Gold Coast (60-minute drive) and the Great Barrier Reef (100-minute flight). It has also been selected as the host city for the 2032 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games.