Working Groups

The Purpose of ACRI Working Groups: Strategy Context

As a member focused organisation, the research infrastructure community must drive the priorities of and beneficial outcomes from ACRI. Aligned with the objective from the ACRI Strategic Plan 2025-2028, namely establishing ‘enabling systems, including formation of Working Groups in delivering key strategic initiatives’, the Working Groups will be instrumental to delivering on ACRI’s mission.

The initial three Working Groups are as per below, noting the natural intersections and culmination of efforts in delivering ACRI’s strategic objectives for the benefit of its members and the broader research and research infrastructure ecosystem.

Each WG will have its own fit-for-purpose terms of reference with the following general attributes.

Roles & Responsibilities

All roles are voluntary.

Chair is responsible for providing broad leadership in effective and efficient functioning of the WG. The Chair will ensure that all relevant information is available to Group members and facilitate equitable deliberations in meetings with clear agenda items.

Members of the Group will provide expert advice and guidance to the ACRI Executive Director and formulate draft plans and programs for review of the ACRI Board.

Membership

Membership is drawn from the research infrastructure community based on principles of diversity across gender, research infrastructure domains and geographies. In order to reflect the required knowledge base and experience, the membership is usually reserved for those in management or at an executive level.

Frequency of Meetings

Normally there are circa 6-10 meetings per year, depending on the WG and specific objectives and timeline of upcoming deliverables.

Interested in Joining a WG

Please send your enquiries to admin 'at' acri.org.au

Current Working Groups

Conference Working Group

Awards Working Group

Fellowships Working Group

Procurement Working Group

Partnerships Working Group

The Conference Working Group oversees the planning, logistics, promotion and program development for the ACRI Conference, ensuring the event delivers value to members and the broader research infrastructure community.

Chair

Andrew Gilbert, Chief Executive, Bioplatforms Australia Ltd

Key Responsibilities

Develop the conference program
Provide advice on themes, speakers and formats
Support conference promotion and engagement activities
Guide conference planning and delivery
Provide strategic input on attendee experience and sector priorities

Membership

Kathryn Hall, Scientific Product Manager, Australian Reference Genome Atlas (ARGA), Atlas of Living Australia (2026 Chair)
Christina Alcover, Core Research Platforms, The University of Sydney
Nigel Waterford, General Manager Scientific Services, QIMR Berghofer
Kaylene Simpson, Acting Associate Director, Research Operations, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
Shirin Robinson, Director, Operations & Business Strategy, Monash University
Tess Vogts, Head of Core Facilities, Translational Research Institute (TRI)
Renee Whan, UNSW (TBC)

The Awards Working Group oversees the development of the ACRI Awards Program, including award categories, eligibility requirements, assessment criteria and recognition activities that celebrate excellence across Australia's research infrastructure sector.

Chair

Paul McMillan, University of Melbourne

Key Responsibilities

Develop award categories, terms and conditions
Establish nomination and application processes
Develop assessment and selection criteria
Review and refine award program design
Support promotion and recognition activities
Ensure awards align with ACRI strategic objectives

Membership

Paul McMillan, University of Melbourne
Ada Koo, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
Alka Saxena, University of Western Australia
Darya Vanichkina, University of Sydney
Eduardo Tescari, University of Melbourne
Edward Ren, Queensland University of Technology
Lauren Goldspink, University of Southern Queensland
Pat Matharom, Curtin University
Yang Tian, Monash University

The Fellowships Working Group provides strategic oversight of the ACRI Fellowship Program, ensuring it supports workforce capability development, leadership growth, knowledge exchange and career pathways across Australia's research infrastructure sector.

Chair

Emeritus Professor Joe Shapter

Key Responsibilities

Guide the strategic direction of the ACRI Fellowship Program
Develop fellowship objectives, eligibility criteria and selection processes
Review fellowship applications and make recommendations
Support mentoring and professional development opportunities for Fellows
Promote leadership development within the research infrastructure workforce
Monitor fellowship outcomes and impact
Identify opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing and sector engagement
Ensure alignment with ACRI's strategic priorities and workforce development objectives

Membership

Joe Shapter, Chair
Kelly Vere, UK Institute for Technical Skills and Strategy
Lisa Yen, CEO, Microscopy Australia
Sach Jayasinghe, Academy for Collaborative Research Infrastructure Ltd
Tim Rawlings, CEO, AuScope
Jess Brosnan, Department of Education
Annette Wittmann, EMBL
Keith Russell, ARDC

The Procurement Working Group provides advice on procurement strategy, purchasing initiatives and collaborative procurement opportunities that benefit ACRI members and the broader research infrastructure sector.

Chair

Andrew Gilbert

Key Responsibilities

Advise on procurement strategy and priorities
Review collaborative purchasing opportunities
Identify efficiencies and shared procurement models
Support value-for-money outcomes for members
Provide guidance on sector procurement needs

The Partnerships Working Group develops strategic collaborations and identifies sponsorship, partnership and revenue-generating opportunities aligned with ACRI's mission and long-term sustainability.

Co-Chairs