National eResearch Architecture Taskforce

The National eResearch Architecture Taskforce (NeAT) is a committee of experts established under the NCRIS Platforms for Collaboration capability to develop and assist the adoption of new eResearch methods and tools.

NeAT is tasked with identifying opportunities to develop and implement e-Research methods, tools and services, and embedding these into research communities.

NeAT projects are developed through a process that combines expertise from within Platforms for Collaboration and expertise from within collaborative research communities to provide the best possible outcomes.

The PfC contribution to NeAT activities is budgeted on a continuous average expenditure of $3 million per annum, i.e., $12 million in total over 4 years. The funding and timeline leads to two rounds of decision-making: an initial set of projects to start in 2008-09 and a second set of projects to start in 2009-10. In addition, in the year 2007-08 extension activities from APAC were agreed in the interim and referred to as Proto-NeAT.

The rationale for two rounds of major projects is:

• that not all decisions should be made at once, so that the experience in NeAT can be leveraged in later developments
• that any significant development will require at least 2 years work because of the complexity of the technologies involved
• that projects should be structured to complete within the funding period (complete by end of 2010-11)

Second Round Call for Input

Towards the end of last year, the National eResearch Architecture Taskforce (NeAT) issued a call for ideas on possible activities that could lead to next generation eResearch tools and services.

Nearly 70 ideas were submitted and NeAT has since undertaken an evaluation process leading to the selection of several for project planning. As result, ten projects aiming to deliver new or improved eResearch services are likely to be developed, and several of the other ideas submitted will be further pursued, either in conjunction with existing NeAT projects, or by integration with other planned developments.

Further Details on NeAT Activities

• Projects under way
  • Round 1 Projects underway as part of ANDS and ARCS business plans

• Projects under development
  • Information on Round 2 projects under development for inclusion in the business plans of ANDS and ARCS

• Arrangements
  • Details of the funding envelope, governance and other implementation arrangements

• Budget Allocation and Management
  • Details of the project budget allocations and budget management requirements

• Meetings
  • Agendas, papers, project proposals and notes from NeAT meetings

• Blue Print
  • Development of a blue print for future eResearch capabilities

• Background information
  • An introduction to NeAT
  • The operational framework for NeAT as established by AeRIC
  • The overall timeline for the development of NeAT projects
  • The membership of NeAT