Held at the Sofitel Brisbane from 22-24 July, the Cooperative Research Australia (CRA) Conference 2024 was a vibrant hub of ideas and innovation, all centred around the theme ‘Industry-Research Collaboration for a Thriving Australia’. This year’s conference focused on ‘Innovation for our Net Zero Future’ and ‘First Nations Innovation’, two sub-themes that resonate with the challenges and aspirations of our times.
For the F1 Solutions team, the conference was an enriching experience for the exchange of groundbreaking ideas and the forging of new partnerships. The conference was a testament to CRA’s commitment to excellence, with every detail well planned and executed, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for all attendees. 
Collaborate Innovate 2024 - Conference Panel. Source: Cooperative Research Australia LinkedIn.
The opportunity to reconnect with our customers and colleagues was a highlight of the conference. It was a pleasure to catch up with familiar faces like Michael, Jodi, and Lucy from Soil CRC, and Emma from One Basin CRC. These interactions are the lifeblood of our industry, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose that drives us forward.
Our discussion with Lucy and Michael from SoilCRC was insightful, particularly on the topic of AI and its application within the proposals, reviews and other processes that CRCs have. The feedback and suggestions from this conversation was invaluable, sparking ideas for future collaboration and innovation.
We also connected with Transformations in Mining Economies discussing the cutting-edge research being conducted in the sector. Topics such as the reuse of assets for closed or mothballed sites, site rehabilitation post-closure, and the evolving regulatory framework were touched on, highlighting the dynamic nature of the industry and the potential for transformative change, all stemming from groundbreaking CRC research activities.
Other noteworthy aspects of the conference included:
- Connecting with the University of Queensland on their innovative Research Management platform, myResearch.
- Discussions with the Australian Research Data Commons on several of their data services, including their Research Link Australia service.
- Insights from Directors Australia on the responsibilities of directors within Australian research organisations the importance of selecting suitable individuals for these roles.
Exhibitors Hall - Benjamin Sutton, Relationship & Strategy Manager at the OmniStar's conference booth.
We joined other attendees in celebrating Reuben Mah’s victory in the Early Career Researchers Competition. His project, ‘Lab on a Chip: Combining Precision and Convenience in Soil Monitoring’, is a prime example of the innovative spirit that CRA encourages and supports. Reuben’s work, bridging the gap between sophisticated technology and practical application, is set to make significant contributions to the field of soil monitoring.
The CRA Conference 2024 was a catalyst for growth, a celebration of innovation, and a reminder of the power of collaboration. We at F1 Solutions are grateful for the experience and look forward to expanding our contributions to the future of Australian industry and research.
