eResearch
On this page: eResearch what and why, tools, strategy, projects and links
What is eResearch?
eResearch is real-time data sharing in research, science and technology using web-based tools.
eResearch means researchers can
- Share and analyse data and information in real-time
- Create new research collaborations
- Use re-use data and information in novel ways
- Keep accurate archives of research information to share later
- Share equipment and infrastructure
- Participate in solving complex global problems through international collaborations
Why eResearch?
Developments in information technology are rapidly advancing research methods. All research now incorporates a powerful contribution from collaborations; this includes humanities and social science as well as pure science disciplines.
Access to data, knowledge, information and supporting infrastructure helps researchers be more creative. They can work effectively together irrespective of their geographical location.
eResearch tools
eResearch is supported by tools such as
- Grid computing and grid middleware - a group of geographically distributed computational resources linked together which can function collectively as a super-computer. Grid middleware is the software needed to use grid computing.
- Virtual Research Environments - ‘virtual’ research areas created by information technology tools or systems
- High performance computing and supercomputers
Collaboration tools like high definition video conferencing and ‘virtual’ research areas created online
- Data and publication repositories - online repositories containing research publications and datasets
- Ultra high speed broadband networks such as KAREN
- Safe data transit methods and connections through identity and access management protocols
eResearch strategy
The Ministry is supporting the development of policy and management practices in areas such as:
Some eResearch projects in New Zealand
Bioinformatics
Bioinformatics uses applied mathematics or computer science along with traditional sciences such as biochemistry to solve biological problems.
More information at the Bioinformatics Institute website
Broadband enabled Science and Technology GRID (BeSTGRID)
BeSTGRID is a computational grid that allows sharing of research information, sharing of computational resources and online visualization of instruments and experiments.
It currently supports these research tools:
- EVO - a collaboration system where users can communicate using audio, video and instant messaging, exchange files and share desktop applications
- Sakai - a Virtual Research Enviroment (‘virtual’ research areas created by information technology tools or systems)
The BeSTGRID team have also built a Data grid within some of New Zealand’s tertiary research centres. A data grid is a network of computing systems that can be coordinated although they are not physically together. BeSTGRID has over 100 Terabytes of data storage available for eResearch.
BeSTGRID partners are the University of Auckland, University of Canterbury and Massey University.
More information on the BeSTGRID website
CellML
CellML is a computational ‘code’ (based on mathematics) to describe biological experimental data (models). It can be used by scientists globally to store and exchange biological models allowing biological models to be built faster. Working CellML coded models are stored in an ‘open access’ database, which holds more than 300 models.
More information on the CellML website
The CellML project is based at the Bioengineering Institute at the University of Auckland, under the direction of Professor Peter Hunter.
Professor Hunter’s research interests include the experimental measurement and theoretical modelling of biomaterials. He is a participant in the International Union of Physiological Sciences (IUPS) Physiome Project. This is a global collaborative project which focuses on building computer models of biological systems to help understand human and other eukaryotic physiology.
More information on the Physiome Project
Links
For more information on eResearch contact eresearch@morst.govt.nz