Brisbane, Australia, hosted the International Conference on Research Infrastructures (ICRI), the major professional forum for the global research infrastructure community, from December 3rd to 5th, 2024. The event gathered a global audience, with hundreds of in-person participants from 50 nations and over 500 online attendees. It provided an opportunity for sharing knowledge, fostering collaboration, and addressing opportunities and challenges faced by research infrastructures (RIs) worldwide.
The Role of the ERIC Forum
While not formally part of the program, the ERIC Forum made its presence felt through its Chair, Dr. Antje Keppler, who served on the ICRI International Program Committee and contributed to a panel discussion on skills required for future RI leadership.
Dr. Keppler highlighted the ERIC Forum’s contribution to the RI ecosystem: “The ERIC Forum provides an important venue for RI directors and senior staff to exchange experiences and address common operational challenges for ERICs.” Her participation underscored the Forum’s alignment with key themes discussed throughout the conference.
Indeed, the conference covered topics closely tied to the ERIC Forum’s priorities. These included fostering international collaboration, addressing disparities between research infrastructures in the global North and South, building capacity and skills for RI staff, improving research data management and interoperability, strengthening scientific networks, and ensuring the sustainability of RIs despite limited resources.
Looking Forward: RIs and the Path Ahead
One of the conference’s key outcomes was the recognition of the need to support, invest in, and expand the global research infrastructure ecosystem. This message was clearly articulated in The Brisbane Statement, a document issued at the event’s conclusion.
The statement emphasized the importance of RIs in addressing current and emerging global challenges while also advocating for stronger international collaboration and more effective resource allocation. “The incredible discoveries and achievements made possible by RIs demonstrate their importance and provide inspiration for the future, and the next generation of researchers,” it noted. The document also called for long-term planning and funding models that empower RI leaders to pursue collaborative initiatives, highlighting the essential role of international cooperation in the RI community.
A Global Agenda Addressing Critical Issues
The program of ICRI 2024 reflected the wide-ranging importance of RIs. Topics spanned the integration of advanced technologies—such as Quantum Computing, Artificial Intelligence, and High-Performance Computing—into RIs, as well as pressing global challenges like climate change, food security, and public health. These discussions emphasized the need for inclusive, interoperable, and sustainable research frameworks to address societal needs effectively.
Diversity as a Key Feature
The diversity of perspectives represented at ICRI 2024 added to the depth of the program. As the first edition hosted in the Asia-Pacific region, the conference benefited from the participation of 11 Southeast Asian and Pacific nations. Their contributions introduced fresh viewpoints that enriched discussions within the global research infrastructure community.
ICRI 2024 was the first to focus on the role of Indigenous Knowledge Systems, which are deeply connected to cultural identity, language, and traditional kinship structures. These systems bring valuable and evolving insights to decision-making processes, benefiting local communities and the broader environment.
Next Steps
As attention shifts to the next ICRI, scheduled for 2026 in Italy, the focus will remain on sustaining progress, deepening international partnerships, and ensuring that research infrastructures continue to advance scientific discovery and address pressing societal challenges.
Dr. Keppler reflected on the work ahead, stating, “There is still work to be done to develop a long-term strategy, including securing resources, to enable effective international collaboration. As a strategic asset of the European Research Area, ERICs and their Forum will remain committed to supporting policymakers in shaping the future for a global RI ecosystem.”
For further details about ICRI 2024 and The Brisbane Statement, visit ICRI 2024.