2 July 2026
Celebrating 20 years of NCRIS: Reflecting on two decades of nationally coordinated research infrastructure
Therapeutic Innovation Australia was proud to join colleagues from across Australia’s research infrastructure community to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS).
The milestone was marked through a series of events in Canberra and across the country, bringing together researchers, government, industry and research infrastructure organisations to reflect on two decades of nationally coordinated investment and to look ahead to the future of Australia’s research capability.
For 20 years, NCRIS has provided the infrastructure, expertise and collaboration that underpin Australian research. It has enabled discoveries that improve lives, strengthened sovereign capability and supported innovation across health, agriculture, energy, environment, defence, resources and advanced manufacturing.
It is also a uniquely Australian success story.
By investing in shared national capabilities rather than isolated facilities, NCRIS has created a coordinated research ecosystem that reduces duplication, provides researchers with access to world-class infrastructure and enables collaborations that would not otherwise be possible. This long-term approach has delivered measurable returns for Australia while supporting research that translates into real-world outcomes.
Over the past two decades, NCRIS-enabled research has contributed to breakthroughs including new treatments for bowel and ovarian cancer, spray-on skin for burn patients, rapid vaccine technologies, advanced health data platforms, resilient coral reefs and even 4D-printed microscopic robots.
A week of celebration and reflection
The celebrations began with a reception at Parliament House, where leaders from government, research and industry reflected on the impact of nationally coordinated research infrastructure and the opportunities ahead as Australia develops the next National Research Infrastructure Roadmap.
Assistant Minister for International Education Te Hon Julian Hill MP described NCRIS as “the backbone of Australia’s national research” and a “critical enabler ” of Australia’s research capability. He also highlighted that the program’s longevity reflects the genuine value it delivers and the bipartisan support it has earned over two decades.
Former Minister for Industry, Innovation, Science and Research, The Hon Kim Carr, described NCRIS as “one of the most effective nation-building investments” and “a proven model of collaboration,” emphasising that continued investment in research infrastructure is an investment in Australia’s productivity, resilience and future prosperity.
To coincide with the anniversary, the Department of Education also released a commemorative booklet highlighting the impact of NCRIS over the past 20 years and the many discoveries made possible through nationally coordinated research infrastructure.Â
NCRIS Satellites Events
The celebrations continued the following morning with NCRIS staff breakfasts held simultaneously across Australia, recognising the scientists, engineers, technicians, data specialists and professional staff whose expertise keeps Australia’s national research infrastructure operating every day. Their work often happens behind the scenes, but it is fundamental to Australia’s research success.
Showcasing impact
"We want to cure cancer, and without NCRIS in Australia, we can't do it."
The NCRIS 20th anniversary symposium brought together researchers and infrastructure leaders to explore how NCRIS continues to shape Australia’s future across a range of disciplines.
For TIA, the health session was a particularly powerful reminder of the value of coordinated national infrastructure.
The session showcased examples ranging from spray-on skin for burn patients and new diagnostic tools for ovarian cancer to rapid vaccine technologies, real-time health data analysis and linked data that improves people’s lives. While each breakthrough was different, they shared something in common: none would have been possible without the nationally coordinated infrastructure, expertise and collaboration enabled by NCRIS.
Professor Fiona Wood reflected on how NCRIS has supported her pioneering work in skin regeneration for burn patients, before leaving the audience with a simple but powerful message: “Let’s solve the problem together.”
The session also highlighted the strength of the NCRIS Health group, which brings together ten specialised projects, including Therapeutic Innovation Australia, to give clinicians and researchers a seamless pipeline for translating their ideas into solutions for diagnosis, treatment, protocols and devices.
Read more here.
Looking to the future
While the anniversary celebrated 20 years of achievement, it was equally focused on the future.
As Australia prepares the next 2026 National Research Infrastructure Roadmap, the discussions throughout the week reinforced that sustained investment in nationally coordinated research infrastructure will be essential to maintaining Australia’s global competitiveness and delivering future scientific, economic and societal benefits.
TIA is proud to be part of the NCRIS community and to contribute to a collaborative ecosystem that transforms research into real-world impact.
Read the Canberra Statement outlining the shared vision for Australia’s research infrastructure over the next decade.