Description
You are invited to the 2026 Annual College Colloquium. The MRIWA College Colloquium is the College's principal strategic advisory forum and a key contributor to MRIWA's future planning and research investment priorities. Bringing together College members, MRIWA's Research Team and invited subject matter experts, the 2026 Colloquium will review, test, and refine insights generated through MRIWA's Focus Area planning process. Participants will examine Focus Area performance, emerging opportunities across the minerals sector, critical research challenges and the capabilities required to support Western Australia's future minerals research ecosystem. A highlight of this year's program will be a keynote address and facilitated workshop "Signal from the Horizon: Science, Innovation and Research Priorities for Western Australia", led by Professor Sharath Sriram, Chief Scientist of Western Australia. Designed to stimulate strategic thinking and horizon awareness, the session will explore the scientific, technological, societal and policy developments likely to shape Western Australia's future research and innovation landscape. Participants will consider emerging trends, opportunities arising from advances in science and technology, future capability requirements for the resources, energy and emissions reduction sectors, and the implications for MRIWA's future research agenda. Insights from this session will provide critical context for the strategic discussions that follow throughout the day. Drawing on intelligence gathered from government, industry and academia, the Colloquium will facilitate robust discussion on strategic priorities and future research directions. The outcomes of these discussions will be consolidated into a College Communiqué for consideration by the MRIWA Board ahead of its December Planning Day. The Colloquium plays an important role in shaping MRIWA's long-term research focus, providing evidence-based advice and strategic insights to support future investment decisions. The resulting recommendations will identify key opportunities, risks and research considerations, helping to inform the next phase of MRIWA's strategic planning and research agenda.