Every two years since 2012 the International Conference for Research Infrastructures (ICRI) takes place. This worldwide important event provides the opportunity for strategic discussions about international cooperation in research infrastructures (RIs). A variety of experts and stakeholders discuss challenges and emerging trends, highlighting the essential role of RI.
The ICRI 2022 (October 19-21, 2022 in Brno/CZ) brought together high-level politicians and RI representatives from all over the world to debate emerging RIs policy-making topics of utmost importance: participants from ESFRI Landmarks and the ESFRI Project, members of European RIs Consortia (ERIC), members from international R&D organizations and projects, politicians and representatives of the European Commission. The programme tackled grant challenges of RIs such as the COVID-19 pandemic, data and digitalization, multi-scale ecosystems, social and economic benefits and impact of RIs. Transnational access has been described as “One of the best ideas for Europe ever and one a kind in the world”. It was agreed that collaboration and not competition is the effective way towards future.
The upcoming ICRI in 2024 will take place in Australia.
Image: © I. Rottmann (MPIfR); Opening Session, Cathy FOLEY, Australia’s Chief Scientist, Australian Government talking about SKA