A key outcome of the latest funding round is a $5 million investment in Australia’s research infrastructure workforce, led by Microscopy Australia on behalf of the broader NCRIS community, along with key partners the Technician Commitment and Academy for Collaborative Research Infrastructure (ACRI).
This national initiative will support implementation of the Technician Commitment in Australia, alongside coordinated professional development and fellowship programs. Together, these efforts will strengthen career pathways, improve recognition, and help attract and retain the highly skilled workforce essential to Australia’s research and innovation system.
“This investment recognises that world‑class research depends on both cutting‑edge capability and the highly skilled people who operate it. Strengthening Australia’s research infrastructure workforce is critical to maintaining our international competitiveness and ensuring researchers can access the expertise they need to solve complex national challenges. Through this initiative, Microscopy Australia is helping to build a more sustainable, recognised and future‑ready workforce,” – Prof. Joe Shapter, Board Chair, Microscopy Australia
Microscopy Australia has also secured $2.6 million to upgrade advanced cryo-electron microscopy (cryoEM) detectors and $1.3 million to expand equitable access to national facilities through new service and access schemes.
The cryoEM investment will upgrade the performance of critical national instruments, ensuring Australian researchers maintain access to globally competitive capability for applications spanning drug discovery, vaccine development, advanced manufacturing and clean energy technologies.
The ‘Insights for All’ initiative will broaden access to national facilities for researchers, industry and regional users, while strengthening operational reliability through increased support for essential service contracts.
“This funding delivers where it matters most, people, capability and access. It strengthens national coordination of workforce development, sustains critical microscopy infrastructure, and expands access for researchers and industry across Australia. Together, these investments ensure we can continue to support discoveries that drive better health outcomes, more sustainable technologies and a stronger, more innovative economy,” – Dr Lisa Yen, CEO, Microscopy Australia
These activities will be delivered through the strong commitment of Microscopy Australia’s national partner network.
Microscopy Australia also welcomes continued investment in digital and data capabilities across the NCRIS portfolio and looks forward to working with NCRIS partners to support shared research challenges in imaging and microanalysis.
Together, these investments strengthen Australia’s integrated national research infrastructure system: connecting people, capability and expertise to deliver impact for research, industry and the broader economy.
Behind every breakthrough is a skilled workforce. This image contains just a small fraction of the research infrastructure specialists who power Microscopy Australia’s network.
May 29, 2026
