>[!abstract] Coastal R&D Lead
> This page provides an overview and examples of the drivers, activities and opportunities for anyone with a need for coastal and ocean data in Western Australia.
### Role purpose, drivers, scope and funding
This Coastal R&D Lead Role exists to increase investment into, and impact of, coastal and marine R&D infrastructure in Western Australia. The intent is to create a step-change in coordinated deployment, operation and use of coastal research infrastructure.
The outcome this roles serves is to have better decision-making, risk mitigation and management of both natural ecosystems and social and economic assets in Australia's coastal zone.
>[!warning] The drivers of this need include the fact of 50% of Australians living within 7km of a coastline where infrastructure, communities and natural ecosystems are facing unprecedented rates and scales of change. Humans ability to mitigate, manage or adapt to theses changes will be enhanced by drawing on historical analogues, observational time-series data, modelling capability and having engaged and informed communities.
This means the scope (aligned with [CoastRI](https://www.coastri.org.au/)) includes both physical and digital infrastructure, and a range of activities including observation, modelling, translation and communication.
The infrastructure and activities include, and aren't limited to: moored water quality sensors, aerial and underwater drone fleets, eDNA sample processing technology, data processing and integration capacity, Indigenous Rangers scientific monitoring capability and testing facilities for coastal and ocean technology solutions.
This role is hosted at the [University of Western Australia](https://www.uwa.edu.au/oceans-institute), with backing from WA State Government (through [Department of Energy and Economic Diversification](https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-energy-and-economic-diversification)) and Federal Government (through the [CoastRI](https://www.coastri.org.au/) initiative of [NCRIS](https://www.education.gov.au/ncris), being led by [Integrated Marine Observation System](https://imos.org.au/)).
> [!todo] Activities include:
> - Mapping and showcasing the current R&D infrastructure to enable its best use,
> - Identifying needs or opportunities and facilitating business case development for new, high-priority infrastructure,
> - Communicating the benefit (past) and value (future) of this R&D infrastructure to potential co-investors.
>[!question] Ways this role can help you:
| YOUR ROLE | YOUR INTERESTS | THIS SERVICE |
| --------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Researchers | New or expanded datasets, engagement with managers or industry, improved tools for analysis or translation, channels for communication | Maps and databases of existing infrastructure, support for stakeholder engagement and business case development |
| Sea and Land Managers | Improved data and analysis for use in decision-making, co-investors in deploying or operating local observation infrastructure | Connections to researchers and data sources, support for partnering on new infrastructure |
| Industry | Improved data for short and long-term business decisions, co-investors in deploying sensors | Connections to researchers and data sources, support for partnering on new infrastructure |
| Innovator | Access to data, partners or facilities to define challenges or test and model solutions | Connections to researchers, data sources and test facilities, support for partnering on new infrastructure |
> [!example] Examples of current research infrastructure
> - [Auswaves](https://auswaves.org/) - near real-time data [Coastal Wave Buoys](https://imos.org.au/facility/coastal-wave-buoys#factility-hero)
> - [OzSET](https://www.tern.org.au/ozset) - Surface Elevation Tables for monitoring changes in tidal wetlands
> - [Coastal and Offshore Research Lab](https://www.uwa.edu.au/facilities/corl) - testing offshore and coastal engineering
> - [Ocean Gliders](https://www.uwa.edu.au/news/article/2025/may/mission-possible-gliders-play-key-role-in-ocean-observations) - for temperature, salinity, current, and biogeochemical data
### Presentations and papers
- [CoastRI Consultation Survey Key Insights](https://www.coastri.org.au/activities/learn-about-the-consultation-process/) (2023) - stakeholders needs
- [CoastRI: A National Coastal Research Infrastructure Initiative](https://www.coastri.org.au/coastri-to-present-at-australasian-coast-and-ports-conference/) (2025) - progress + plan
> [!info] Contact
> - Contact [Andrew at UWA via email](mailto:
[email protected])
> - Use this [LINK to book a (virtual) meeting](https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/
[email protected]?anonymous&ismsaljsauthenabled&ep=plink ) at a time that suits you