This project will provide valuable information to assist with the Government’s decision making process regarding HASS research infrastructure.

In 2019 the Department of Education commenced a National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Scoping Study to explore options for investing in research infrastructure to benefit the Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) and Indigenous research communities.  In preparation for this study the Department has engaged the ARDC to explore the establishment of a HASS Research Data Commons as an opportunity to maximise data-enabled research outcomes, across a large and diverse group of stakeholders.

Key activities include:

  • Identify and group research communities with similar priorities and states of readiness that will benefit from a HASS Research Data Commons;
  • Map nationally significant HASS data collections across Australia;
  • Identify gaps in discoverability, accessibility and interoperability for HASS data collections;
  • Identify opportunities to enhance or leverage existing NCRIS capabilities, other facilities or projects;
  • Provide advice on implementing a consolidated HASS Research Data Commons.
Start date 1 September 2019
Expected completion date 30 June 2020
Co-investment partners
The Department of Education, Skills and Employment
Lead node
1 Project Plan
Provide a plan identifying the expected activities and benefits of the project.
2 Progress Report
Provide an update of the progress and findings of the project in relation to individual commons, HASS data providers, related initiatives, and list consultations undertaken and proposed, including any consultation groups.
3 Draft Report
Provide a draft report on the project, detailing findings and recommendations.
4 Final Report
Provide a final report on the project, detailing findings and recommendations.

Core features

Community Consultation
Engage with researchers, research support and data providers regarding the development of a HASS Research Data Commons. Identifying opportunities, challenges and potential pathways to the development of a HASS Research Data Commons.
Provide information to government
Inform National Research Infrastructure Scoping Study around research infrastructure investment for the HASS and Indigenous research community. Map nationally significant HASS data collections, research communities, facilities and projects to help the Department of Education make informed decisions as they consider research infrastructure investment for those communities.
Provide implementation advice
Develop proposal/s for a HASS Research Data Commons, including a multi-year pathway for development.

Who is this project for?

  • Commonwealth Government
  • HASS data providers
  • HASS researchers
  • Peak bodies

What does this project enable?

This project will inform decision-making around investment in research infrastructure for the Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences and Indigenous research communities. Consultation with key stakeholders and documentation of the HASS and Indigenous data-enabled research landscape will aid the Department of Education and the ARDC to successfully establish a HASS Research Data Commons.

Handy resources

  • Learn more about the Australian Government’s National Research Infrastructure Scoping Studies.
  • Learn more about the Australian Government’s response to the 2016 National Research Infrastructure Roadmap
  • Explore HASS Data discovered through Research Data Australia’s Cultures and Communities themed collection.
  • Read the news article about this project.
The Department of Education, Skills and EmploymentVisit