EMBL Australia leaders joined more than 400 global research infrastructure (RI) experts at the 2024 International Conference on Research Infrastructures (ICRI) in Brisbane (Meanjin).
The three-day conference and satellite events provided an opportunity to explore emerging trends, challenges and opportunities, with a focus on fostering collaborative solutions and international partnering.
ICRI takes place every two years and brings together international policymakers, research institution leaders, facility operators, users and researchers. It was the first time ICRI had been hosted in the Asia Pacific, which introduced fresh voices and viewpoints from the local knowledge systems (including Indigenous knowledge) previously absent from global RI conversations.
Professor James Whisstock, EMBL Australia Scientific Head and Deputy Dean Research of Monash University’s Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, presented on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced imaging technologies in the development of next-generation therapeutics and diagnostics.
EMBL Australia Council Chair Emeritus Professor Ian Smith chaired a session on digital research infrastructures for healthy communities. Experts from ELIXIR Europe, The Florey Institute, the National Imaging Facility and the Australian Population Health Research Network provided insights into how digital infrastructure can enable international collaboration to enhance global health outcomes.
EMBL Australia joined the NCRIS Health Group and European collaborators to co-host a satellite meeting focused on collaboration between European and Australian health research infrastructures specifically. The session allowed participants to further strengthen the connections made at the 2023 Australian and European Health Research Infrastructure Symposium in Prato, Italy.
EMBL Australia Chief Operating Officer Annette Wittmann noted that ICRI and the satellite events provided invaluable opportunities to connect and explore collaboration in areas such as talent development, workforce training, and the exchange of best practices.
“ICRI 2024 fostered thoughtful discussions, valuable introductions and essential in-person meetings with Australian colleagues and European collaborators,” Ms Wittmann said.
“It highlighted key topics, such as, digital RI, rapid tech advances, and the power of AI, all crucial for advancing health and life sciences globally.
“I particularly enjoyed gaining insights into existing Euro-Australian partnerships and understanding what works and where the challenges lie.”
The Brisbane Statement, released at the close of the conference, highlighted the role of RIs in supporting research in areas like climate change, pandemic preparedness, food security and health.
It called for enhanced international collaboration in RI to address complex global challenges, emphasising the need for equitable partnerships and long-term strategic planning for RIs.
ICRI 2024 was a joint effort between CSIRO, the European Commission, and the Australian Department of Education.