16 -20
Mar

26th Research Data Alliance (RDA) Plenary: Watch-Along

Join us to watch the open and closing plenaries of the 26th Research Data Alliance (RDA) Plenary together.
Card with the Research Data Alliance logo and branding that reads "26th Plenary Meeting - 16 to 20 March 2026 - fully virtual - Data Continuity for research Resilience"

About the Event

The 26th Research Data Alliance (RDA) Plenary meeting will be held fully virtually from 16 to 20 March 2026 (UTC). Its theme is “Data Continuity for Research Resilience”. Since 2013, the RDA has worked to create solutions to allow researchers to openly share and re-use data across technologies, disciplines and countries.

As an organisational RDA member, the ARDC is running 3 watch-along sessions. New RDA members and members of the research community are welcome to come together and:

  • watch the Opening and Closing Plenary sessions
  • have discussions
  • discover the RDA
  • network and make new connections.

  • Date: Monday 16 March
  • Time: 2:30 to 5 pm (AWST)
  • Location: Curtin Insitute for Data Science (CIDS), Level 2, Building 216, Bentley Campus, Curtin University
  • Host: ARDC

High-quality data is the foundation of excellent research. In an era of rapid AI adoption, ensuring data accessibility, trustworthiness and resilience has never been more critical.

Our speakers will share perspectives on how the RDA community is responding to the opportunities and challenges of AI. From strengthening data resilience and advancing community-driven frameworks, to exploring the importance of well-structured, high-quality data for responsible AI development, the session will consider how emerging approaches such as federated models and trusted research environments (TREs) are helping unlock the value of data while maintaining trust, governance and collaboration.

Join the presenters for an interactive panel discussion exploring what is working, what challenges remain, and what lessons can travel across borders. Speakers include:

  • Hilary Hanahoe, Secretary General, RDA
  • Professor Melanie Johnston-Hollitt, Director, Curtin Institute for Data Science
  • Adjunct Professor Sach Jayasinge, CEO, QCIF
  • Trish Radotic, RDA Regional Community Manager (Oceania and East Asia), ARDC

To close, we will spotlight highlights of the Plenary across global time zones, including networking, newcomer sessions and more – the perfect introduction to everything the Plenary has to offer.

  • Date: Tuesday 17 March
  • Time: 1 to 2:30 pm (AEDT)
  • Location: online
  • Hosts: ARDC and QCIF

High-quality data is the foundation of excellent research. In an era of rapid AI adoption, ensuring data accessibility, trustworthiness and resilience has never been more critical.

Our speakers will share perspectives on how the RDA community is responding to the opportunities and challenges of AI. From strengthening data resilience and advancing community-driven frameworks, to exploring the importance of well-structured, high-quality data for responsible AI development, the session will consider how emerging approaches such as federated models and trusted research environments (TREs) are helping unlock the value of data while maintaining trust, governance and collaboration.

Join the presenters for an interactive panel discussion exploring what is working, what challenges remain, and what lessons can travel across borders. Speakers include:

  • Hilary Hanahoe, Secretary General, RDA
  • Professor Melanie Johnston-Hollitt, Director, Curtin Institute for Data Science
  • Adjunct Professor Sach Jayasinge, CEO, QCIF
  • Trish Radotic, RDA Regional Community Manager (Oceania and East Asia), ARDC

To close, we will spotlight highlights of the Plenary across global time zones, including networking, newcomer sessions and more – the perfect introduction to everything the Plenary has to offer.

  • Date: Friday 20 March
  • Time: 1 to 2:30 pm (AEDT)
  • Location: online
  • Hosts: ARDC and QCIF

Learn More

Do you have questions about this event? Contact us.

Please note that this event may be recorded, and the recording may be published by the ARDC. This may include your contributions during the session. Attendees are expected to comply with the Code of Conduct for ARDC Activities during this event. The ARDC respects the privacy of individuals. Information collected is in accordance with the ARDC Privacy Policy.

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