National Data Assets

Developing a portfolio of national-scale data assets that support leading-edge research.
Australia space view
Who will benefit
Researchers, policy makers, industry, public sector, research organisations and institutions

The Challenge

Data collections are challenging for researchers to access, use and combine when that data doesn’t reflect the FAIR principles. Common barriers include: poor data management; restrictive or local access conditions; lack of machine readability; incompatible metadata standards and formats; and an absence of licence outlining how the data can be reused.

The research benefits from national-scale data collections cannot be realised without some federal investment. The necessary scale of infrastructure and the underpinning multi-party collaborations will not emerge naturally from individual research organisation investment and activity.

The Approach

The ARDC is driving a national initiative to develop a portfolio of national-scale data assets that support leading-edge research.

A national data asset is a strategic collection of data with the governance, standards, policy, technology, services, skills and community required to make that data FAIR for Australian researchers. These data assets are national in scale with the data coming from, governed by, and used by research organisations across Australia. A national data asset supports leading edge research, including research excellence, integrity, and broader societal impact.

We’re achieving this through a series of programs that together ensure a balanced portfolio of:

  • data custodians (NCRIS facilities / research organisations / research disciplines and domains / public and private sector)
  • beneficiaries (research / industry / public policy / education)
  • data collection maturity types (established / emerging)
  • research system outcomes (research innovation / research efficiency / research integrity).

Collaboration

Through our 2019–2023 National Data Assets initiative, we’re building strategic partnerships with over 200 organisations across the research sector to leverage existing research and administrative investment and ensure ongoing sustainability and stewardship.

Partner organisations include other NCRIS facilities, research centres and institutions, universities, government departments and agencies. Each of the National Data Assets programs contains guidelines for scope and participation.

End users and ultimate beneficiaries are prominent participants in the projects to ensure the infrastructure has positive outcomes and benefits.

Target Outcomes

This approach will create long-lived national data assets that leverage existing research and administrative investment to ensure ongoing sustainability and stewardship.

Beneficiaries include Australian researchers, policy makers, industry, public sector, research organisations and institutions. Each National Data Assets program contains specific, targeted outcomes.

Key Resources

Contact the ARDC

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