Supporting expertise behind Australia’s research innovation
Research Infrastructure Specialists (RIS) provide the expertise that power Australia’s national research infrastructure (NRI). Test tubes at the ready. Image: Talha Hassan on Unsplash
Research Infrastructure Specialists (RIS) are the foundation of Australia’s research ecosystem. In recognition of this, Australian research institutions are looking at ways to enhance career pathways that support, engage and maintain this highly skilled cohort. The recently released Research Infrastructure Specialist Position Paper (Position Paper) from the NCRIS Directors is a significant step towards this future.
RIS role within NCRIS
The National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) sustains 27 projects that maintain Australia’s National Research Infrastructure (NRI). These projects and over 1,800 RIS support over 65,000 researchers and generate a benefit to the Australian economy of $7 return for every $1 invested. These benefits are tied to the availability of a skilled workforce of RIS.
Discover Lateral Economics (LE) report on the positive impacts of NCRIS on Australian society and the environment. Image: NCRIS
However, current employment structures at Universities are unable to capture the specific skill sets and career developments of RIS. As a result, their positions do not reflect the vital function they play in Australia’s NRI ecosystem.
NCRIS leadership perspective
The recently released Position Paper, signed by 22 NCRIS Projects, sets out the supporting arguments, lists case studies and outlines a simplified pathway for recognising the skills of RIS.
“The critical role of the national research infrastructure expert workforce has been appropriately acknowledged in the 2021 National Research Infrastructure Roadmap, together with the need for the system to better recognise the important function of those research infrastructure specialists in order to continue to attract, retain and reward the talent required to maximise our national system.”
– NCRIS Directors
The improved system of classification will create job family systems that separate academic and administrative roles. These will then be tailored to specific KPIs that will allow RIS professionals to receive recognition and promotion without needing a job reclassification or a substantial change in core duties.
“This paper is important as it recognises the value of the people that are the driving force behind the NCRIS program and the Australian research infrastructure ecosystem. It also acknowledges that, in many cases, this expert workforce holds unique expertise but also face unique challenges relating to job security and progression.
AuScope works with our partners to address these issues as best we can, but this paper is a timely reminder that if we work together, we can do better across the entire research infrastructure network.”
– Dr Tim Rawling, CEO AuScope
This new Position Paper will support the development of new, rewarding pathways for Australia’s RIS.
AUTHORS
Philomena Manifold (AuScope)
MORE INFORMATION
Find out more by downloading and reading the Position Paper.
If you would like to know more about this paper, please contact Dr Tim Rawling or Dr Rebecca Farrington.