Post by Science & Technology Australia

A new ANAO report on the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) makes clear that infrastructure needs sustained, long-term investment. We welcome the report's findings as a timely reminder that NCRIS is not just a research-sector expense. It underpins advances in health, agriculture, environmental management and advanced technologies that benefit all Australians. But as STA CEO Ryan Winn notes, the report also flags real governance and planning shortfalls that must be addressed – including the impact of significant reductions in departmental expertise and staffing to manage a scheme of this scale. With the next NCRIS Roadmap due in late 2026, Australia has a critical window to get this right. That means: ✅ Predictable, long-term funding – not short-term cycles ✅ Stronger governance and implementation frameworks ✅ Rebuilding departmental capability NCRIS is foundational to Australia's research ambitions. Now is the time to invest in it accordingly. We look forward to working with the Department of Education on the implementation of the audit findings. 🔗 Read our full media release. Link in the comments. #ResearchInfrastructure #NCRIS #AustralianScience #SciencePolicy #Innovation #AusPol #Budget2026