Grid Powered Up with $10m eResearch Project

Grid Powered Up with $10m eResearch Project


Media release - 10 October 2006

The Bracks Government is building the infrastructure to put Victoria's scientific research community at the forefront of collaboration and information sharing, Information and Communication Technology Minister Marsha Thomson said today.

Ms Thomson launched the Victorian eResearch Strategic Initiative (VeRSI) at the Australian Synchroton in Clayton today. Through VeRSI, the Bracks Government is establishing an advanced computer grid to enable scientific researchers to access to shared information in a secure environment.

"Scientific research is increasingly being carried out in an electronic environment and it is crucial that our scientific community be ideally placed to reap the full benefit – after all, the important work it carries out has real outcomes for the broader community," she said.

"Advanced broadband networks give scientists access to highly complex instruments, databases, libraries, supercomputers and colleagues, not only around the corner, but across the globe. As a result research is collaborative with skills, knowledge and resources being shared like never before. In essence, advanced broadband is accelerating science.

"To put Victoria at the forefront of global eResearch, the Bracks Government has committed $10 million to developing eResearch infrastructure including four eResearch centres at Monash University Clayton, the University of Melbourne Parkville, Latrobe University Bundoora and the Werribee Research Precinct.

"It is fitting that the first VeRSI eResearch laboratories should be located at the Australian Synchrotron and the Parkville medical research precinct which have both been strongly supported by the Bracks Government to bring together the best and brightest scientists across the whole range of research disciplines."

"eResearch is a vital link to allow real-time collaboration between researchers across different locations and disciplines to push the bounds of research.

"VeRSI builds on other significant Bracks Government investments in eResearch initiatives such as the Victorian Education and Research Network – a $21.5m investment - which is establishing a super broadband network linking around 200 research locations."

Ms Thomson said the Bracks Government's eResearch initiatives would assist other key research programs funded by the Bracks Government, such as the National ICT Australia Victorian Research Laboratory and the Australian Cancer Grid projects, attain event better outcomes.