Research and decision-making about biodiversity increasingly depends on statistical models, whose function is to infer where and when species are likely to be found. The ARDC is investigating what digital research infrastructure is needed to support researchers in model development and use, and to foster collaborative networked modelling efforts under the Planet Research Data Commons program. In mid-August 2023, 27 ecological modelling experts gathered in Brisbane on Turrbal and Yuggera Country to discuss the digital research infrastructure needed to support researchers developing and using ecological and biodiversity models. The workshop was part of a series of consultations underway for the ARDC’s Planet Research Data Commons (Planet RDC), which is developing national-scale data infrastructure for earth and environmental research and decision-making. The workshop participants represented a wide range of organisations, bringing their insights on the needs of terrestrial biodiversity and ecological modelling across academia, government, nonprofits and national infrastructure facilities. Learn more about the Planet RDC at: https://ardc.edu.au/planet-research-data-commons/