The Australian Academy of Science welcomes the Research Infrastructure Investment Plan and its response to the Chief Scientist’s National Research Infrastructure Roadmap.
The Academy also welcomes the $393m budget allocation to national research infrastructure over the five-year period (2017/18 – 2021/22) of which $199m was allocated in the 2017/18 FY [Budget paper 2, page 92], however remains concerned that critical infrastructure investment may still be some years away.
President of the Australian Academy of Science, Professor Andrew Holmes said new investment in national research infrastructure is welcome however we remain concerned about the lack of detail as to when funding will be allocated.
“The Academy notes that many of the priorities for new infrastructure outlined in the Research Infrastructure Roadmap will be addressed through funded scoping studies, and will be incorporated in future (two-yearly) iterations of the Investment Plan along with five-yearly reviews of the Research Infrastructure Roadmap,” Professor Holmes said.
“The Academy looks forward to receiving further detail and certainty.
“Upgrading, expanding and connecting many of Australia’s research facilities remains critical to allow the research community to continue seeking solutions to some of our most pressing challenges in industry, agriculture, health and environment,” Professor Holmes said.
© 2024 Australian Academy of Science
