Enabling precision conservation of threatened species through national-scale genomics infrastructure
There is a global biodiversity crisis with Australia having the highest mammal extinction rate in the world. Many threatened species now persist only in small, fragmented wild populations or captivity, where loss of genetic diversity further increases extinction risk. Despite advances in conservation genetics, uptake has historically been limited by fragmented datasets, inconsistent methodologies, and […]
Assessing Ecological Risks from Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM)
The National Sea Simulator (SeaSim), supported through NCRIS, enabled Australia’s first experimental assessment of ecological risks associated with naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) and co‑occurring contaminants such as mercury linked to offshore oil and gas infrastructure. Researchers from the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), working with AIMS scientists, recreated realistic decommissioning scenarios by […]
Genomics for biosecurity: stronger screening for plant pathogens
Australia’s biosecurity relies on the rapid and accurate detection of pathogens at the border. The Australian Government’s Post Entry Quarantine facility faced increasing volumes of high-risk imported plants requiring screening. Traditional viral screening approaches were labour intensive and highly specialised, and fast becoming unsustainable. Image credit: Robin Eichner (DAWE) Australian BioCommons, enabled through Bioplatforms Australia, […]
SeaSim Accelerates Large‑Scale, Climate‑Ready Reef Restoration
The National Sea Simulator (SeaSim), funded through NCRIS, is Australia’s most advanced marine experimental facility and a cornerstone of the Reef Restoration and Adaptation Program (RRAP). SeaSim’s industrial‑grade automation, precise environmental control, and bespoke experimental systems enable complex, long‑term studies. Within SeaSim’s controlled environments, RRAP partners developed and validated next‑generation restoration interventions, including selective breeding […]
Advancing Defence Materials Through Marine Testing and Advanced Manufacturing
The National Sea Simulator (SeaSim), supported through NCRIS, supported through NCRIS, is enabling a new Defence innovation partnership between Charles Darwin University, James Cook University, SPEE3D and the Queensland Defence Science Alliance (QDSA). Through QDSA’s Collaborative Research Grants program, the team is advancing Australia’s sovereign capability to manufacture and validate high‑performance materials for naval and […]
Australia welcomes its first EMBL ARISE Fellow at Monash University
Australia’s capabilities in research infrastructure (RI) have received a major boost, with Monash University set to host EMBL Fellows as part of the Career Accelerator for Research Infrastructure Scientists (ARISE) – a flagship European initiative designed to train the next generation of RI leaders. ARISE Fellow Dr Richard Jacoby from the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) will […]
Bioplatforms-supported startups recognised in NSW Emerging Technology Commercialisation Fund
Three startups supported by Bioplatforms Australia have been announced as recipients of the NSW Government’s Emerging Technology Commercialisation Fund, recognising the strength of Australia’s deep-tech pipeline and the role of national research infrastructure in translating discovery into real-world impact. The successful companies are Number 8 Bio, Platypus Bio and HydGene Renewables. Each is developing technologies […]
ACCESS-NRI: Australia’s climate simulator
Earth system models are computer simulations used to explore the dynamics of the planet’s climate and weather, predict future climate and understand how it is changing.
Our infrastructure provides world-class simulations for climate and weather at different temporal and spatial scales, specifically designed for Australia and the Southern Hemisphere. Our simulations support research and decision-making by underpinning global, national and state climate projections.
Heavy Ion Accelerators (HIA)
Our $150M world-class accelerator facilities for high-energy ion beam research represents decades of strategic investment by the Australian National University, the University of Melbourne, our industry partners and the Australian Government. With R&D capabilities unparalleled in Australia and matched by few globally, we support research activities in sectors of national priority, including quantum computing, space and astronomy, advanced materials, environment and climate, cancer therapies, minerals exploration, and fundamental nuclear science.
Marine National Facility (MNF)
From ice edge to equator, the Marine National Facility (MNF) is Australia’s dedicated ocean research capability which enables world-leading research to increase our understanding of Australia’s vast and valuable marine environment. The MNF is funded by the Australian Government’s National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) and operated by CSIRO on behalf of the nation.
Clarity on climate change: NCI supports localised Australian climate simulations
Australia’s ability to understand and plan for climate risk depends on access to high-quality climate models, high-performance computing to run the models, and the effectiveness of the infrastructure that connects them. Dr Chermelle Engel at the ACCESS Community Workshop 2024. In a recent advancement, Australia’s climate simulator (ACCESS-NRI) released an adapted regional model, ACCESS-rAM3, to […]
National Sea Simulator (SeaSim)
Discover the future of marine experimental research at the National Sea Simulator, managed by the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS). Our cutting-edge facility employs leading industrial process automation to conduct complex, extensive and long-term aquarium experiments, focusing on Australia’s tropical marine ecosystems. Join us in advancing research and conservation efforts for Australia’s diverse marine estate.
Pawsey Supercomputing Research Centre (Pawsey)
Pawsey Supercomputing Research Centre is home of Setonix, Australia’s fastest and most energy-efficient supercomputer, delivering the nation’s most advanced AI research infrastructure through massive GPU power.
Our integrated platform combines cutting-edge GPU acceleration with AI frameworks, real-time analytics, and advanced remote visualisation services and expertise. This gives researchers nationwide access to the scale, speed and expertise needed to accelerate discovery and innovation across every field, from climate modelling and drug discovery to quantum research and astronomy.
Data Connect Australia
The Population Health Research Network (PHRN) has been at the forefront of integrating health and human services data across Australia. With a robust network of data linkage units, PHRN empowers researchers to unlock insights into disease, shaping innovative treatments and enhancing health services nationwide. Underpinned by a commitment to privacy and ethical standards, PHRN exemplifies collaborative research, bolstered by substantial support from government and academic sectors.
Southern Coastal Research Vessel Fleet (Coastal Vessels)
The Southern Coastal Research Vessel Fleet has been established to coordinate vessel use and provide better access to coastal research vessels in Southern Australia. This includes competitive access to fully funded grants of sea time onboard southern coastal research vessels and support for a replacement vessel to upgrade the aging fleet to provide the marine research community with access to contemporary coastal research infrastructure.
AARNet
AARNet is Australia’s national research and education network, a not-for-profit organisation equally owned by 38 Australian universities and CSIRO. AARNet provides essential high-speed internet and advanced network services tailored to meet the specialised needs of researchers in Australia.
Australian Virtual Seed Bank Portal upgraded
Seedbank data from across Australia is easier to access, search and visualise, thanks to updates to the Australian Virtual Seed Bank Portal. Built through a collaboration between the Australian Seed Bank Partnership (ASBP) and the Atlas of Living Australia (ALA) the portal is a shared online space showcasing the breadth of conservation seed collections held […]
Urban greening for health
On average, someone is hospitalised for a heart attack every 9 minutes, according to the National Heart Foundation of Australia. And the toll on taxpayers runs into billions each year. Reduced cardiovascular disease Few studies have explored whether health benefits from urban greening translate into reduced healthcare expenditure. Study co-lead Professor Xiaoqi Feng from the University […]
EMBL Australia PhD Course celebrates 10 years of training Australia’s future research leaders
More than 60 PhD students from across the country came together in Adelaide for the 10th EMBL Australia PhD Course – a unique, two-week residential program designed to equip emerging researchers with the skills and confidence needed for modern scientific careers. Co-hosted with the South Australian Immunogenomics Cancer Institute (SAiGENCI), this year’s course focused on future-ready […]
Australia’s climate future: new ACCESS model goes global
Australia’s latest climate model, called ACCESS-ESM1.6, is ready to enter the global stage through the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP7), which will inform the next Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report. Climate change will shape everything about life in Australia – from the homes we live in and the food we grow to the […]
Early warning from above! – how Gadi detects vegetation drought stress before it’s visible using a new satellite-based method
Droughts are one of Australia’s biggest natural hazards. They reduce crop yields, threaten livestock, reduce water storage volumes in dams, damage forests, and increase the risk of bushfires. Often, by the time plants show visible signs of stress, such as yellowing leaves and/or thinning canopies, the damage is already done. A team of researchers, led […]
ACCESS models help to unveil the causes of the unprecedented 2023 North Atlantic Ocean heatwave
A paper published recently in Nature using two ACCESS models, has revealed the drivers of a marine heatwave that swept across the North Atlantic Ocean during the summer of 2023, causing severe impacts on climate and ecosystems. “The intensity of the warming in that single summer was equivalent to about two decades worth of warming for the […]
Ten years on the radar: How Australian infrastructure is supporting space agencies around the world
Over ten years ago, a curious network of triangular aluminium structures was erected across the quiet paddocks of Queensland’s Darling Downs region. Scattered amongst grazing livestock, these radar corner reflectors sit idly, without using power, collecting data or transmitting signals. But despite their seemingly simple design, these metal structures play a critical role in Earth […]
Strengthening international research relations and showcasing Australian capability
Driving global collaboration through the Prato 2025 Health Research Infrastructure Symposium The 2025 Australian & European Health Research Infrastructure Symposium, held from 16-18 September at the Monash University Prato Centre in Italy, united leaders from major Australian and European research infrastructures to strengthen international partnerships and tackle shared challenges in health and life sciences. The three-day […]
ACCESS-NRI joins the international Momentum partnership to advance climate and weather prediction
Australia’s climate simulator, ACCESS-NRI is thrilled to announce its participation in the Momentum Partnership, joining an international collaboration that develops world-leading modelling frameworks for weather and climate science. The Momentum Partnership includes access to the UK Met Office’s Unified Model (UM Model), which is the atmosphere component of the ACCESS framework. ACCESS-NRI’s partner collaborators, CSIRO and the […]
A software time dial for the paleoclimate community
The ACCESS-NRI team has added a “time dial” into the Earth System Model (EM1.5) that allows paleoclimate researchers to match the right value of Earth’s orbit around the Sun during different past climates. The ACCESS Earth System Model 1.5 (ACCESS-ESM1.5) is used by the paleoclimate community to understand the climate of the Earth from thousands […]
Corals in a warming ocean
Investigating heat resistance in corals Since 2013, the National Sea Simulator (SeaSim) has been a pivotal resource in advancing our understanding of coral heat resistance and the potential for human-assisted evolution to bolster coral resilience. Assisted evolution involves accelerating naturally occurring evolutionary processes to help corals adapt to predicted future climate ocean scenarios, such as rising […]
Streamlining remote sensing data transfers for environmental research
FileSender addresses the challenge of moving large datasets around for researchers participating in the Joint Remote Sensing Research Program. For environmental researchers, the volume of data generated by remote sensing technologies can be massive and challenging to manage. The Joint Remote Sensing Research Program (JRSRP) is a leader in this field, involving experts from academia […]
Enabling research and innovation to address climate change through trust and identity
Understanding the usage of Australia’s critical climate change modelling software through user reporting, will inform the future of this service. ACCESS-NRI, Australia’s Climate Simulator, is the national critical research infrastructure that provides software engineering support for Earth system and climate research. Standing for the Australian Community Climate and Earth System Simulator – ACCESS – is […]
Unlocking the power of Australia’s Tier 1 supercomputer
Through a national framework for trusted identity, accessing one of Australia’s Tier 1 supercomputers will become easier. The Pawsey Supercomputing Research Centre (Pawsey) is one of two Tier-1 high-performance computing facilities in Australia. Its primary function is to accelerate scientific research for the benefit of the nation. Pawsey’s service and expertise in supercomputing, data, cloud […]
Baseline monitoring of seagrass and macroalgal habitats for an integrated national response to extreme events
Background The frequency and severity of extreme events such as marine heatwaves, cyclones and flooding along Australia’s West Coast is increasing, however, the impact of such events on marine ecosystems cannot be determined without sufficient baseline data. For example, 36 percent of the total seagrass area in Shark Bay is thought to have died in […]
Quantifying seabed habitats and associated biota in the Murray Australian Marine Park
Background While detailed habitat mapping coverage has been substantially advanced by State governments in many coastal regions, Commonwealth waters of the continental shelf typically lack detailed habitat maps and, at best, have coarse resolution bathymetric layers. Focusing on the Murray Marine Park, this voyage aimed to fill key information gaps in our knowledge of the […]
State support injects big cash for upgrades and new national research infrastructure
National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS)-supported programs have received nearly $30 million in co-investment from the New South Wales and Queensland Governments through the NCRIS Support Program and Research Infrastructure Co-Investment Fund (RICF), respectively. Co-funding arrangements such as the NCRIS Support Program and RICF are another way that NCRIS ensures that spending on research infrastructure […]
Strengthening our European connections to EMBL and beyond
On a recent visit to EMBL Heidelberg, Ian Smith, Chair of the EMBL Australia Council, spoke about the synergies between EMBL and EMBL Australia, opportunities for collaboration and ideas for exciting future programs. Ian Smith, Chair of the EMBL Australia Council, chatted to EMBL about the synergies between the organisations, opportunities for collaboration, and ideas […]
Integrated Earth 2023 conference highlights the ambition of Australia’s Earth science community
Members of the earth science community from all over Australia came to Canberra in September to take part in a unique gathering – the Integrated Earth 2023 conference. Supported by the Australian Academy of Science as an Elizabeth and Frederick White Conference, Integrated Earth brought together researchers from the five broad spheres of Earth science: […]
A true partnership to improve position, navigation and timing services in Australia
What do precision agriculture, weather predictions and synchronising financial transactions all have in common? They rely on geodesy, the science of measuring the Earth that enables all Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) applications that are used in everyday life. This exact science underpins the global geospatial economy, which has a value of at least US$1 […]
Scientists discover 36-million-year geological cycle that drives biodiversity
Tectonic changes alter sea levels that can create breeding grounds for life Movement in the Earth’s tectonic plates indirectly triggers bursts of biodiversity in 36-million-year cycles by forcing sea levels to rise and fall, new research has shown. Dinosaur Stampede exhibit at Dinosaur Canyon, located in Queensland’s Winton Formation which was formed during the Cretaceous […]
Shared Vocabularies Create Oceans of Opportunities
Research vocabularies are helping researchers aggregate data from a wide range of sources and disciplines to find evidence-based solutions to big societal challenges such as climate change. In 2021, an analysis of sea temperature data collected from the Southern Ocean over 25 years revealed disturbing evidence that the potential for Antarctic ice-sheet melting has been […]
Global weather prediction: Australia’s contribution to the global Argo array
Australia’s Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS) coordinates Australia’s contribution of approximately 10% of the global Argo array. Used internationally and by the Royal Australian Navy to predict ocean conditions, Argo data is critical to weather prediction globally. Argo data helps scientists understand large-scale ocean temperature and salinity structures, interactions between the ocean and atmosphere, and […]
EcoCommons
A world-first collaborative commons for analysing and modelling ecological and environmental challenges. The Challenge Our planet is facing massive biodiversity loss due to overexploitation of species, invasive species, pollution, climate change and the degradation, fragmentation and destruction of habitats. Decision makers concerned with biodiversity need powerful computing and analytical capabilities to help navigate this challenge […]
Southern Ocean Time Series providing important data for ocean observations globally
Deployed and retrieved by the Marine National Facility (MNF) on behalf of Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS), the Southern Ocean Time Series Observatory provides high temporal resolution observations in sub-Antarctic waters. Observations are broad and include measurements of physical, chemical and biogeochemical parameters from multiple deep water moorings in the sub-Antarctic Zone southwest of Tasmania. […]
Reef Spawning in SeaSim
The National Sea Simulator (SeaSim) supports the propagation of a range of marine organisms, including corals, sponges, and Crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS). Utilising advanced infrastructure, SeaSim replicates natural spawning conditions, making it an invaluable resource for studying reproductive processes and early-history of marine invertebrates. SeaSim’s proximity to the Great Barrier Reef ensures easy access to reproductively […]
