NCRIS Overview
The National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) is a $542m, seven year strategy spanning from 2004-05 to 2010-11. NCRIS provides and supports major research infrastructure, allowing Australia to conduct world-class research. In November 2006, 12 priority areas (capabilities) were announced and projects have since been funded in each of these areas.
NCRIS has adopted a strategic and collaborative approach to providing research infrastructure that can be accessed by researchers across Australia. This type of collaboration is proving effective in delivering wider access to better infrastructure.
A key enabler of research collaboration is the high performance computing, data management and electronic communication tools provided by the new Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). The Government is supporting the deployment of these ICT tools so that researchers can readily share access to research data and collaborate in analysing the data.
The former NCRIS Committee undertook a review of the NCRIS Roadmap in consultation with the research community. The Strategic Roadmap for Australian Research Infrastructure [
PDF 2.74 MB] was released in September 2008 and informed the Review of the National Innovation System. As a result, several areas currently receiving NCRIS funding were enhanced with funding through the Super Science Initiative announced in the 2009-10 Budget.
Further information about NCRIS and the Super Science Initiative can be found on the following pages:
NCRIS Evaluation
In 2009-10, the Department conducted an evaluation of the NCRIS Program. The purpose of the evaluation was to determine if the NCRIS model provided an efficient, effective and appropriate mechanism for the funding of research infrastructure in Australia.
The full text of the NCRIS Evaluation Report is available on request by to ncris@innovation.gov.au, in print or on CD from the Research Infrastructure and Science Policy Branch, Science and Infrastructure Division, GPO Box 9839, Canberra ACT 2601.
The NCRIS Evaluation Report contains an Executive Summary [PDF 353KB].
The NCRIS Evaluation was conducted by an Evaluation Team [PDF 14 KB] chaired by Barry Jones, Head, Industry and Small Business Policy Division. The Evaluation Team drew heavily on the work of Science Panel [PDF 13 KB] and an Economic Consultant [PDF 12 KB] in the preparation of the NCRIS Evaluation Report.
The Science Panel Terms of Reference [PDF 41 KB] and Economic Analysis Terms of Reference [PDF 33 KB] were prepared in February 2009.
For further information regarding the NCRIS Evaluation, please email ncris@innovation.gov.au.
Links to NCRIS project websites
Evolving Biomolecular Platforms and Informatics
Integrated Biological Systems
Characterisation
Fabrication
Biotechnology Products
Population Health Research
Networked Biosecurity Framework
Optical and Radio Astronomy
Terrestrial Ecosystem Research
Marine Research
Structure and Evolution of the Australian Continent
Information and Communication Technologies