From 2 to 6 December 2024, the ASEAN Regional Research Infrastructure (RRI) Task Force made its debut on the global stage by participating in the International Conference on Research Infrastructure (ICRI) in Brisbane, Australia. This biennial event, co-funded by the European Union, serves as a premier forum for policymakers, researchers, and leaders in the global research infrastructure community.

For the first time, ASEAN joined the conference as a unified region, represented by a delegation led by Dr Uracha Ruktanonchai, Chair of the ASEAN RRI Task Force, and Ms Sronkanok Tangjaijit, Task Force Secretary. The team included representatives from eight ASEAN Member States, the ASEAN Secretariat, and winners of the ASEAN Early Career Scientists Competition, who shared forward-looking visions for research infrastructure in 2050.

ASEAN's presence was amplified through its side event “ASEAN: Exploring New Opportunities for Research Infrastructure Collaboration”. It showcased the region's emerging research infrastructure networks, including the Large Nuclear and Synchrotron Facilities Network (LNSN), the ASEAN Network on Microbial Utilisation (AnMicro), and the ASEAN High-Performance Computing Task Force.

In his opening remarks, Mr Benoit Sauveroche, First Counsellor (Research & Innovation, Digital Transition, Transport & Mobility) at the Delegation of the European Union to Singapore, emphasised the EU’s commitment to supporting ASEAN’s regional research infrastructure, driven by ‘shared ambition of regional integration’. 

Dr Uracha highlighted the inclusivity of ASEAN's research strategies, emphasising that ‘no country would be left behind. ‘Similarly, Dr Zurina Moktar from the ASEAN Secretariat called for transforming interactions at ICRI into meaningful partnerships, stating: ‘ASEAN is open for business.’

The participation of the delegation was supported by the Enhanced Regional EU-ASEAN Dialogue Instrument (E-READI), underscoring the importance of international cooperation, particularly between the EU and ASEAN. As ASEAN steps further into the global research infrastructure community, the message was clear: collaboration based on mutual trust and sustainability will drive future innovations and partnerships.

Learn more about E-READI’s support in strengthening ASEAN’s Regional Research Infrastructure:

• Experts, policymakers, researchers contribute to ASEAN Regional Research Infrastructure Strategy at EU-ASEAN Workshop
• 3rd ASEAN RRI Taskforce Workshop on Refining Strategy

Joseph Biford Photography Pty Ltd

Joseph Biford Photography Pty Ltd

Joseph Biford Photography Pty Ltd