Australia’s Next Research Infrastructure Roadmap: Highlights from the Issues Paper
Author: Matthew McLean
The Australian Government has released the 2026 National Research Infrastructure Roadmap Issues Paper, kicking off the next major national planning cycle for research capability and investment.
What is it and why does it matter?
National Research Infrastructure (NRI) is comprised of nationally significant research facilities, platforms and people that drive scientific discovery, innovation, industry collaboration and sovereign capability for Australia.
This roadmap will influence future funding priorities across programs including NHMRC and Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) infrastructure streams, shaping the facilities, platforms and skills base that support Australia’s research and innovation system over the coming decade. It will be especially relevant to universities, research institutes, industry in R&D-intensive sectors such as medical science, agricultural science, biomanufacturing and clean technology that are seeking to access funding from these programs.
The Issues Paper invites feedback on the key areas where Australia should invest to ensure research infrastructure keeps pace with scientific and industry needs, global competition and national priorities.
What’s the gist of the Issues Paper?
While previous roadmap cycles focused heavily on foundational science infrastructure, this consultation signals that research infrastructure is not just about world-class facilities, but also workforce, enabling sovereign manufacturing, translation, digital capability and nation-wide industry engagement. It recognises that Australia’s competitive position and our ability to convert world-class ideas into jobs, companies and exports will increasingly depend on how effectively we plan and invest across these domains.
Placing translation at the centre
One of the most encouraging signals from the paper is the emphasis on translation and industry collaboration. There is strong recognition that national infrastructure must support faster pathways from discovery to commercial application, SME access to critical facilities, shared translational hubs (especially in biomanufacturing clinical capacity), quantum, AI and climate technology.
Embedding First Nations knowledge and data governance
The roadmap also highlights the importance of Indigenous knowledge systems and data sovereignty, proposing new digital platforms and culturally-governed research infrastructure. This is both a moral and strategic evolution and signals a future research system that is more collaborative, inclusive and internationally distinctive.
The infrastructure workforce
A standout message in the Issues Paper is the central role of people. The future strength of Australia’s research system will hinge on the expertise of the specialists who operate, integrate and translate our national research infrastructure. Sustainable funding, mobility programs, and industry exchange pathways will be essential and will likely require new models and cross-government coordination.
A moment for strategic clarity
Viewed in context with the Strategic Examination of R&D (SERD) review, the National AI Capability Plan and state-based investments, the 2026 roadmap is part of a broader recalibration of how Australia funds innovation and converts research to economic and national value
For universities, research focussed industry and innovation precincts, this is a moment to:
articulate capability ambitions clearly
align capital investment and workforce planning
demonstrate strong governance models and industry pipelines
prepare collaborative national proposals and
position early around sovereign capability pillars.
Talk to us
Intellect Labs works at the intersection of government programs, research commercialisation and sovereign capability strategy. If you would like to explore how your organisation can prepare for this roadmap cycle by identifying opportunities, shaping capability plans or developing collaborative proposals, we’d be happy to assist.