AusRISE is an ambitious three tiered workforce development pilot program that aims to strengthen Australia’s NRI ecosystem
EMBL Australia has put forth a proposal to the 2025 NCRIS funding round (outcome pending) aimed to add attract, train, and retain talent across different career stages, with the aim to build a globally connected workforce capable of driving technological innovation, advancing digital and data-intensive research, and responding to societal challenges.
Why AusRISE?
Australia’s national research infrastructure relies on highly skilled scientists, engineers, data specialists and technical experts. Yet despite repeated calls in successive NCRIS Roadmaps for workforce development, career pathways and training frameworks have remained fragmented.
Modelled on EMBL’s highly successful ARISE program, AusRISE addresses this gap by establishing a structured, national talent pipeline—from PhD students to senior research infrastructure leaders.
The program aims to bring together universities, NCRIS capabilities, industry partners and leading European research infrastructures to create a globally connected, future‑ready workforce.
Program Streams
AusRISE is designed with three entry points across the RI career spectrum.
AusRISE Next Gen
Developing Australia’s Future RI Specialists
A two‑week annual training intensive for 150 PhD students across health, life sciences and digital/data fields. Participants build cross‑disciplinary skills, visit NRI facilities, and join a national cohort of emerging technology specialists.
Features include:
- Core modules on digital technologies, research methods and cross‑domain infrastructure
- Training delivered by Australian + international experts
- Site visits and networking with NCRIS facilities and industry
- Foundations for long‑term RI career pathways
AusRISE Fellows
Attracting and accelerating emerging RI talent
A two‑year fellowship for 10 early‑career specialists (scientists, engineers, data experts, technicians). Fellows will be embedded in Australian institutions and develop or optimise an innovative technology or method for RI while completing a structure training program.
Fellowships include:
- Training modules adapted from EMBL’s ARISE program
- National or international placements (1–3 months)
- Tailored mentoring and integration into the NCRIS community
- Support for external training and collaboration
Example training module themes:
- Technology development & optimisation
- Digital and data‑intensive methods
- User and service management
- Quality, reproducibility & standards
- Sustainability and operational excellence
AusRISE Leaders
Connecting Australia’s RI leaders
An international leadership program for 20 senior RI specialists seeking to grow strategic, and international engagement capabilities.
Two participation modes:
- Individual placement: 1–3 month placement at a leading international RI
- Cohort program: 4‑week structured leadership program across European RIs
The program aims to strengthen global connections, build cross‑sector mobility, and foster shared approaches to technology, service delivery, and innovation.
Industry & International Partnerships
AusRISE is deeply collaborative by design, leveraging partners across academia, industry and European RIs.
Partnerships unlock knowledge exchange, placements, co‑delivery of training modules and pathways for technology uptake.