From November 26 to 29, 2024, two representatives from the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), led by Dr. Uracha Ruktanonchai, Executive Director of the Nanotechnology Center and overseeing of NSTDA’s international collaborations, participated in a study visit on Australia's research infrastructure. The visit, hosted by Australia’s Department of Industry, Science and Resources, aimed to foster collaboration between Australia and Southeast Asian (SEA) countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam.
The study tour included visits to a diverse array of leading research infrastructures across Australia. In Melbourne, the group toured the Australia Urban Research Infrastructure Network (AURIN), AuScope, National Imaging Facility (NIF), Microscopy Australia (MAU), and the Australian Synchrotron (ANSTO). In Canberra, the delegation visited the National Computational Infrastructure (NCI), the ANU Center for Therapeutic Discovery (ACTD), and the Heavy Ion Accelerator Facility (HIAF).
Throughout the visit, participants engaged in insightful discussions on the management of Australia’s science research system, national research priorities, and infrastructure programs. The delegation learned valuable lessons from Australia’s National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS), which serves as a model for effectively implementing government policies into tangible research infrastructure. Key discussions also centered on fostering networks between NCRIS executives, CEOs of the visited research institutions, and representatives from SEA countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam.
This visit marks a significant step towards deepening international collaboration and sharing the best practices in research infrastructure development.