The International Conference on Research Infrastructures (ICRI) 2024, hosted in Brisbane/AU from 3-5 December 2024, brought together policymakers, research institution leaders, and facility operators from around the globe to discuss the pressing challenges and future of research infrastructures. This biennial event provided a unique platform for collaboration, exploration, and innovation across various scientific disciplines.
Among the standout moments was the dedicated astronomy session Looking to Space for Answers on Earth moderated by Dr. Izabela Rottmann, Manager of the RadioNet Consortium. This session brought together a distinguished panel of experts:
- Prof. Elisabetta Barberio – Director of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Dark Matter Particle Physics, Victoria, Australia
- Prof. Phil Diamond – Director General of the Square Kilometer Array Observatory
- Prof. Zhiming Cai – Innovation Academy for Microsatellites, Chinese Academy of Sciences, leading the Einstein Probe (EP)
- Dr. Fabio Biancat Marchet – Deputy Programme Manager and Programme Engineer of the European Extremely Large Telescope (E-ELT)
The session provided insight into the latest advancements in space and ground-based telescopes, while addressing the critical challenges in maximizing the potential of these technologies. The speakers highlighted the transformative impacts on science, industry, and society, and emphasized the importance of international collaboration, a theme central to ICRI 2024.
Key discussions at ICRI 2024 also touched on digital research infrastructure, the role of Indigenous knowledge, and how global collaborations are essential for tackling the world’s most pressing challenges, from climate change to feeding the planet.
In late December 2024, CSIRO will share links to conference presentations and recorded sessions, along with a survey for feedback. A post-event evaluation report will also be released next year to guide future ICRI events.