ICRI 2024 in Brisbane brought several innovations and impacts, namely:
- Community engagement - CSIRO brought its 3D marine science INVESTIGATE exhibit to QUT’s Gardens Point campus. INVESTIGATE showcases what research infrastructure and global collaboration can accomplish. The exhibit takes the audience on a deep dive into the research delivered by Australia’s 94-metre advanced ocean research vessel (RV) Investigator, allowing them to ride the waves in an Antarctic storm, fly through the atmosphere on a data-stream, and dive into the abyss to uncover the mysteries of the deep. INVESTIGATE opened for the ICRI 2024 welcome reception on Monday 2 December, and was open to the public for a month after the Conference ended.
- Commitment to Indigenous Knowledge - ICRI 2024 was the first to focus on Indigenous knowledge and engagement. As part of this theme, ICRI 2024 presented the exhibition “Stories & Structures – New Connections” as part of the conference. The art exhibition was curated by Australia’s national research infrastructure for microscopy, Microscopy Australia, to explore images that pass on knowledge and shape our understanding of the world. The art exhibition showcased 43 pieces that explored the rich visual parallels between the microscopic structures hidden in the natural world, and Indigenous artists’ impressions, giving us new cross-cultural perspectives on how we all know and understand our world.
- Focus on Networking - To manage registrations, scheduling, live-streaming and networking, the event team procured Brella as the Event App for ICRI 2024. The App uses AI technology to match attendees and suggest possible networking opportunities based on topics of shared interest. The event held a dedicated networking session on Day 2 of the Conference to maximise the time available for networking. The App was also used by online participants to watch the live-streamed sessions, and also featured a chat functionality both for virtual and in-person attendees. 949 attendees logged into the App (both in-person and online), and 56 one-on-one meetings were held in-person via the App.
- The Brisbane Statement - ICRI 2024 resulted in the development of the Brisbane Statement, endorsed by the ICRI Co-Chairs. The Statement calls on all RI stakeholders worldwide to support, invest in, and grow the collaborative global research infrastructure ecosystem. The world will continue to rely on RIs for addressing future challenges, both foreseen and unforeseen, and with strong global connections, research can continue to advance society to meet these challenges.
