Euro-BioImaging attends ICRI 2024

The International Conference on Research Infrastructures (ICRI) took place in Brisbane, Australia, in December 2024. Organised jointly by Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, the European Commission, and the Australian Department of Education, the conference brought together research infrastructure representatives, national funders and representatives of global indigenous populations for three days of presentations, discussion and networking. Over 400 people from 50 countries attended the event in person and another 500 people watched the online live stream. The conference culminated with the Brisbane Statement, a testimony to the importance of continued international collaboration between research infrastructures to address societal challenges. Euro-BioImaging was there, represented  by Bio-Hub Director, Antje Keppler. ICRI 2024 provided a wonderful opportunity for exchange with international colleagues, and the perfect backdrop for renewing Euro-BioImaging’s long-lasting collaboration agreement with Microscopy Australia.

“It was such a pleasure to be at ICRI and meet with colleagues from research infrastructures from around the world. I learned a lot about RIs located in Australia but also in many other places during fruitful discussions and networking with so many different colleagues. And the presence of representatives from First Nations at the event was really enriching - I learned so much from their presentations sharing research methodologies and indigenous knowledge. It really helped me to gain a better sense on how it is all connected,” explains Antje Keppler.

Renewed commitment to international collaboration

A highlight of the event was the renewal of Euro-BioImaging’s collaboration agreement with Microscopy Australia, signed by Antje Keppler and Greg Smith, Board Chair,  in the presence of Chief Executive Officer Lisa Yen on Tuesday, December 2. This marks 12 years of collaboration with our Australian counterparts, and we look forward to many more. 

Raising the visibility of imaging infrastructures

ICRI is a pluridisciplinary conference bringing together representatives from diverse scientific backgrounds including astronomy, climate studies, the physical sciences, the health sector and the life sciences. Nevertheless, it provided many opportunities to highlight the importance of imaging technologies and expertise in support of scientific discovery, as well as the importance of working together across imaging facilities for knowledge sharing and innovation. At the satellite event on "Imaging networks for global impact,” Antje Keppler represented Euro-BioImaging and Global BioImaging, making the case for strong international collaboration in the life sciences. She co-chaired the satellite event on "Health Research Infrastructure Ecosystems: Stronger Together" with the Chair of Euro-BioImaging’s Scientific Advisory Board member Ian Smith (Emeritus Professor at Monash University) and Merran Smith (Chief Executive of Australia’s Population Health Research Network) and participated in a panel discussion with other European and Australian research infrastructure colleagues on "Challenges and opportunities for international cooperation of health research infrastructure." 

What does the future hold for research infrastructures?

Antje Keppler also participated in a panel discussion on the next generation of RI leaders, chaired by Microscopy Australia’s Lisa Yen. Along the same theme, young scientists from the Euro-BioImaging Hub team contributed a video about how we see research infrastructures in 2050, which was shown in a plenary session. Check out the video for an enthusiastic and optimistic vision for Euro-BioImaging’s future. 

Overall, ICRI 2024 was a rewarding and productive conference, and the topic of imaging was present throughout many sessions. Have a look at the Brisbane statement for concrete outcomes and more insights into the crucial role RIs play, and will continue to play, in confronting global challenges and expanding scientific knowledge.