The NIIN was established in 2020 to leverage the power of digital technology, collaboration and innovation to benefit Australia. The Research Chair program is a critical element of the NIIN. It was established to bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and industry application, ensuring that digital innovation translates into real-world impact. Australia has world-class research capabilities, but historically, much of this expertise has struggled to connect with industry needs.
The NIIN Research Chair Program directly embeds leading researchers within industry collaborations, creating a dynamic ecosystem where academia, business, and government work together to solve national challenges.
Each NIIN Research Chair leads projects in key areas such as cybersecurity, digital health, AI, and critical infrastructure, focusing on high-impact, scalable solutions that drive economic and societal benefits. With a presence across multiple universities, the program fosters national collaboration, ensuring that research doesn’t just generate knowledge – it delivers practical solutions that shape Australia’s digital future.