NRIC Overview
The National Research Infrastructure Council (NRIC) was formed to provide strategic advice on future research infrastructure investments, including those to be funded through the Super Science Initiative.
In announcing the Council in May 2009, Senator Carr said:
The NRIC will drive and undertake strategic planning and mapping across all categories of research infrastructure and contribute policy advice to Government. It will facilitate coordination across different levels of investment in research infrastructure from institutional to national and landmark and will provide advice to the Education Investment Fund Advisory Board.
The Council is made up of leading researchers from across a wide range of research disciplines and I look forward to the valuable contribution they will make.
Research infrastructure is the bedrock of good research and a robust innovation system. The NRIC will be a key element in supporting the Innovation portfolio's lead role in developing a coherent and robust policy agenda for research infrastructure.
Since the announcement of the NRIC, its name has changed from the 'National Research Infrastructure Committee' to the 'National Research Infrastructure Council' as reflected on this page.
NRIC Terms of Reference
The Council has been established to:
- Develop a strategic framework for investment in research infrastructure in Australia.
- Provide advice to the Minister on research infrastructure investment issues including national and landmark priorities, funding needs, improved program linkages and delivery methods.
- Assess funding proposals for specific research infrastructure investments and monitor Australian government investments in research infrastructure.
The Council will assist with strategic planning for research infrastructure across all categories of investment: institutional, project-based, integrated national facilities, strategic facilities and landmark infrastructure. This will include consideration of coordinated investment in systemic and enabling technologies.
Infrastructure investment can involve access by Australian researchers to overseas facilities. The Council will consider and advise on collaborative international projects. The Council is expected to engage actively with stakeholders, including the business sector. Engagement with State and Territory governments and with relevant Commonwealth agencies will also be important to effective coordination of research infrastructure investment.
NRIC Membership
- Chair
- Mr John Ryan PSM, Executive Director, Cloon Economics and former Deputy Secretary of the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism and the Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources
- Ex-Officio Members
- Professor Margaret Sheil, Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Research Council
- Professor Warwick Anderson AM, Chief Executive Officer, National Health and Medical Research Council
- Professor Ian Chubb AC, Chief Scientist for Australia
- Dr Megan Clark, Chief Executive Officer, CSIRO
- Ms Patricia Kelly, Deputy Secretary, Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research
- Other Members
- Professor Thomas Cochrane, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Technology, Information and Learning Support) at Queensland University of Technology
- Professor Edwina Cornish, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) at Monash University
- Professor Peter Høj, Vice Chancellor of the University of South Australia
- Professor Suzanne Miller, Director of the South Australian Museum
- Professor Margaret Seares AO, Former Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor at The University of Western Australia
Strategic Framework for Research Infrastructure Investment
The Strategic Framework for Research Infrastructure Investment [
PDF 151KB] [
RTF 1MB] has been developed by NRIC in consultation with the research sector to guide the development of policy advice and the design of programs relating to the funding of research infrastructure.
A Discussion Paper [PDF 206KB] [RTF 522KB] was released in December 2010, which sought comment on the possible key components and principles of a strategic framework. NRIC received over 60 submissions.
Previous Consultations
A process to identify and prioritise Australia's Landmark Research Infrastructure needs
The NRIC released a Discussion Paper in June 2010 [PDF 207KB], which sought comment on a proposed process for identifying and prioritising landmark research infrastructure projects. NRIC received over 20 submissions in response to the Discussion Paper. NRIC's proposed process is currently under consideration by the government as part of broader deliberations relating to research infrastructure.
Please email nric@innovation.gov.au if you are not able to access the PDF.
Contact Us
For further information about the National Research Infrastructure Council, please email nric@innovation.gov.au or write to us at:
National Research Infrastructure Council
Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research
GPO Box 9839
Canberra ACT 2601