Data management and e-research

The Australian government is boosting e-research funding through its Super Science initiative because it recognises information technology is a key driver of innovation, Richard Marles, Parliamentary Secretary for Innovation and Industry, told the Sydney eResearch Australasia conference.

“Research into many of the major challenges of our time, like climate change and water management, depends on advanced e-research applications to manage data and access high-performance computing and visualisation services,” Marles said.

“Advanced ICT applications are also being implemented to provide remote access to expensive research instruments and research facilities.

“E-research is enabling entirely new fields of research, as it is now feasible for researchers to collect, move, analyse and visualise huge amounts of data.

“In the 2009 Budget, the government committed $1.1 billion, under its Super Science Initiative, to support critical areas of scientific endeavour and a total of $312 million was allocated to e-research in high-performance computing, high-bandwidth networks and data initiatives.

“The Australian government continues to recognise the benefits of strategic investments in e-research infrastructure, based on national priorities and informed by the research community at large.

“We have established the Information Industry Innovation Council to advise the Australian government on innovation within the industry itself and the potential for information technology to foster innovation across the economy.”

The conference has brought together over 400 delegates from Australia and overseas to showcase the development and application of advanced IT services and infrastructure to support cutting-edge research.

For information on the conference visit www.eresearch.edu.au.