The Brisbane Statement: A Perspective from EGI  

Recognising Digital Infrastructure as a Pillar of Global Research Collaboration

The Brisbane Statement, released at the 2024 International Conference on Research Infrastructures, underscores the vital role of Research Infrastructures in addressing global challenges and advancing scientific discovery. Among its many important themes, the statement prominently acknowledges the transformative role of Digital Research Infrastructures, a recognition that is particularly significant for e-infrastructures like EGI.  

Acknowledging the Critical Role of Digital Infrastructure  

The Brisbane Statement highlights that as research becomes increasingly data-driven, RIs must evolve to integrate cutting-edge digital technologies. Digital infrastructure is no longer a supporting player; it is a foundational element that enables:  

EGI, as a key provider of advanced digital services for science and research, recognises this affirmation as a milestone in acknowledging the strategic importance of digital infrastructures in the global research ecosystem.  

Aligning with FAIR Principles and Open Science  

The statement’s emphasis on FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) data principles resonates with EGI's commitment to creating a more open and collaborative research environment. It also underscores the importance of secure, trustworthy, and equitable access to data. Initiatives like EGI’s federated cloud and high-performance computing resources exemplify how digital infrastructures can empower research communities to achieve these goals.  

Enabling Multidisciplinary and Global Collaboration  

The Brisbane Statement recognises that tackling global challenges—such as climate change, food security, and public health—requires multidisciplinary collaboration supported by robust digital infrastructures. EGI plays a pivotal role in enabling such collaborations through its global platforms that connect research communities, provide federated identity solutions, and offer scalable compute and storage capabilities for diverse types of applications, such as digital twins and digital spaces.  

Preparing for the Future  

As the statement calls for long-term strategic planning and investment in RIs, it aligns closely with EGI’s vision of developing a resilient, inclusive, and interoperable digital ecosystem. 

EGI remains committed to:  

The Brisbane Statement’s recognition of digital infrastructure as a cornerstone of research collaboration inspires EGI to continue innovating and expanding its services for RIs, its main user group. It is a clarion call for policymakers, funders, and RI managers to invest in digital infrastructures, ensuring it is well-resourced and strategically aligned with the broader goals of research and innovation.  

By embracing the vision outlined in the Brisbane Statement, EGI and its partners are poised to lead the way in creating a digital infrastructure ecosystem that empowers global research to address today’s challenges and unlock the discoveries of tomorrow.