Providing the machinery of science: defining a whole-of-government strategy for securing access to critical research facilities

This discussion paper outlines a whole-of-government strategy for securing access to those leading-edge research facilities, both within Australia and overseas, that are critical to Australia’s future scientific research capability and therefore our future national security, health, prosperity and environmental sustainability.

Recommendations include:

• Create and maintain a list of critical research facilities (CRFs) linked to Australia's national research priorities.
• Adopt a whole-of-government approach to CRF access and investment.
• Integrate CRF considerations into international negotiations.
• Re-engineer the science and innovation budget framework.
• Improve transparency and coordination of science and innovation budgets across states and territories.
• Assess and address structural shortcomings in CRF funding.
• Enhance coordination for international collaboration.

This discussion paper does not necessarily reflect the views of the Australian Academy of Science or the other organisations represented on the project’s steering group. It was circulated in order to stimulate debate on policies affecting the provision of research infrastructure in Australia.