eResearch refers to the use of information and communications technologies to support research. It includes research data storage infrastructure, high speed networks, distributed and high performance computing, virtual laboratories, and a growing number of online research tools.
Research is a core activity of the institutions in the CAUDIT membership, and CAUDIT Members, as strategic advisors on the use of ICT within their organisations, are increasingly involved in advising on, brokering, providing, and supporting eResearch services.
CAUDIT's strategic initiatives related to eResearch include:
- In collaboration with the RDSI Project, establishing a vendor panel for storage infrastructure for use by RDSI nodes and the university sector. The panel provides pricing and terms for services, hardware and software related to storage.
- Membership of AeRO (Australian eResearch Organisations) in order to participate with other organisations in taking a national, collaborative approach to eResearch.
- Engagement with the ARDC.
CAUDIT Members also play leadership and advisory roles in Australian Government initiatives such as NeCTAR and the National Research Network.
