Welcome to TERN’s Autumn newsletter. This month brings two items of particular significance – the release of a landmark economic assessment of the value of Australia’s Earth and Environmental Science Infrastructure, and the opportunity to reflect on our responsibilities as a capability during National Reconciliation Week.
Valuing Australia’s Earth and Environmental Science Infrastructure
Australia now has independent evidence confirming what many in our community have long understood: every $1 invested in TERN delivers at least $7 in economic, scientific and societal value. This striking 1:7 return on investment, identified in a new pilot impact assessment by Lateral Economics, underscores the national importance of sustained, coordinated environmental research infrastructure.
As a founding member of the National Earth and Environmental Science Facilities Forum (NEESFF), TERN is part of a collaborative cluster of Australia’s leading earth and environmental science research infrastructures. NEESFF exists to ensure that national investments deliver maximum value for the country and this new assessment provides compelling evidence that they do.
Commissioned by NEESFF and conducted by respected independent evaluator Lateral Economics, the report, Valuing the Contributions of National Earth and Environmental Science Facilities Forum Members, offers a rigorous, evidence‑based analysis of the economic, societal and operational benefits generated by Australia’s environmental research infrastructure. The findings are clear: these facilities deliver returns far beyond direct financial measures, including productivity gains, avoided costs, improved decision‑making capability and strengthened international partnerships.
The report arrives at a pivotal moment. As the Australian Government develops its 2026 National Research Infrastructure Roadmap, this independent evidence base is well positioned to inform future policy and program design, ensuring that national investments continue to deliver maximum scientific, economic and societal value.
National Reconciliation Week: TERN’s commitment in action through ethical data
National Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation. This year’s theme, “All In“ encourages participation from all Australians – and at TERN, we have been doing exactly that – focusing on inclusive data.
The implementation of CARE principles (Collective Benefit, Authority to Control, Responsibility and Ethics) within TERN’s data infrastructure marks a significant shift – from purely technical data access to ethically grounded, community-aware data stewardship. By extending beyond FAIR data principles, this work actively recognises Indigenous data rights and interests, strengthening metadata and licensing frameworks to ensure appropriate attribution, respect for sensitive data, and the formalisation of governance structures that embed cultural context.
This transformation enables more equitable participation in data access and use, while reinforcing trust, transparency and accountability across the research ecosystem. It positions TERN as a national leader in embedding Indigenous data governance within large-scale research infrastructure, moving beyond open data towards responsible, ethical and inclusive data access that delivers shared benefit.
Reconciliation Week is a moment to acknowledge the ongoing importance of this work and to recommit to embedding it across everything we do. We extend our gratitude to the communities, colleagues and partners who have contributed to this journey.
Looking Ahead
Both the Lateral Economics report and our CARE implementation represent TERN at its best – delivering world-class science infrastructure while ensuring that our work is relevant, responsible and grounded in the needs of the communities and ecosystems we serve.
Lastly, do not forget to register for TERN’s bimonthly webinar on 3 June – it’s all about discovering and navigating environmental data in Australia.
As always, thank you for your continued commitment to TERN’s mission. I look forward to sharing further updates in the months ahead.
Dr Beryl Morris, Director, TERN Australia