Two more partners announced for research ‘big data’ project

A $50 million Federal Government project that aims to transform the storage of research data has revealed the location of its next two nodes — in Perth and Townsville.

The University of Queensland (UQ) is leading the project on behalf of the Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education (DIISRTE).

Dr Nick Tate, RDSI Project Director who is based at UQ, said each of the two new nodes would receive funding under the Research Data Storage Infrastructure Project. He announced that:

• iVEC will establish a primary node in Perth

• Queensland Cyber Infrastructure Foundation (QCIF) will establish an additional node in Townsville

The department funds the project from the Education Investment Fund under the Super Science (Future Industries) initiative.

Dr Tate went on to say he expected one further node would be announced in the near future.

“The project will be a significant boost for researchers around Australia who are capturing and processing of enormous data sets,” Dr Tate said.

“The powerful potential of ‘big data’, combined with the significant computing capability that the Government is also investing in, will transform research across Australia for data-intensive research activities. “

Dr Tate said the RDSI project’s storage capacity is expected to grow to over 100 petabytes, which is significantly bigger than existing research stores.

The RDSI project aims to develop a national network of distributed data stores where research data could be readily accessed, analysed and re-used and to support the retention and integration of nationally significant data assets. This will support enhanced research outcomes through greater access to, and sharing of, research data.

Media: Dr Nick Tate, RDSI project director, ph +61 412 674 010, or +61 7 3365 2019, n.tate@rdsi.uq.edu.au