Perhaps less known is that AARNet also provides research support services above the network such as CloudStor, FileSender and Zoom to enable seamless collaboration, data access and movement between researchers and their specialist instruments.

In addition to its strengths in infrastructure delivery and support, AARNet has been moving into the provision of softer skills, such as engagement and training to research communities, to enable them to make the most out of its powerful infrastructure.

Earlier this year, AARNet was an enthusiastic collaborator with the ARDC, the Australian Research Data Commons, at the launch of the second round of national events held in Perth aimed at accelerating data skills training.

The work of the ARDC (formerly ANDS, NeCTAR, RDS) is to meet the needs of data-intensive, cross-disciplinary and global collaborative research. Towards this, the ARDC has been building the data skills of Australia’s research system to help enhance the reuse of research data, and create more data savvy researchers.

Most recently, the ARDC has been delivering a series of national training workshops aimed at training the trainer, to assist research institutions to support their research communities.

The events offer valuable insights to creating engaging and timely content for data skills training programs, in addition to helping research support communities move beyond the basics to incorporate content about the latest data tools and techniques.

AARNet was able to demonstrate to the 40 participants why the AARNet research and education network is critical to the Australian research landscape, and how it is targeted to assist the research communities specific data intensive requirements.

Research support staff, in addition to personnel from NCRIS funded facilities, were introduced to CloudStor and FileSender as examples of national infrastructure tools designed to ease researcher burden, improve research practice and make research more productive and collaborative.

AARNet’s contribution married well with the training content provided on the more specific discipline data tools and infrastructure, such as those presented on Nectar Virtual Labs and NCRIS facilities.

The workshop also provided participants with options for delivery formats for training scenarios, with Zoom being deemed an ideal choice for presenting online webinars that enable large audience participation, Q&As and are perfect for distributed training requirements, such as those research institutions with geographically dispersed campuses.

All in all, a fabulous event to be a part of! Keep an eye out for further events – sign up to get the latest AARNet and ARDC news direct to your inbox.

Author: Frankie Stevens, Research Engagement Strategist, AARNet eResearch Services