eResearch Newsletter May 2026

Dear Alex, here is the Australasian eResearch Newsletter.

Australasian eResearch Newsletter - May 2026

Message from AeRO:

AeRO is proud to establish its Early Career Excellence Prize, recognising the outstanding early-career professionals who are building the future of digital research infrastructure across Australia and New Zealand. Nominations are now open, and details as well as how to nominate (yourself or others) can be seen on the AeRO website at https://www.aero.edu.au/awards.

The Call for submissions of Abstracts for sessions at this year’s eResearch Australasia Conference has now been issued. The Conference will be held at the MCG in Melbourne, from 26 to 30 October 2026, with the overall theme “Celebrating Our Past, Shaping Our Future”, recognising that it has now been 20 years since the first eResearch Conference. For further information and to join the Conference mailing list and to submit an Abstract, please see: https://conference.eresearch.edu.au/. The closing date for submissions is 22 June 2026.

And don’t forget the AeRO event at CAUDIT+Questnet Conference in Brisbane on 20 July on Aligning Enterprise IT with the National Research Infrastructure (see item in this Newsletter).

Alex Reid, Newsletter Editor.

CONTENTS:
* NCI Courses: from 13-May.
* RAiD Global Community Meeting: 20-May.
* Call for Applications: 9th APAC HPC-AI Competition: by 22-May.
* Women in HPC Fortnightly Zoom Catchup: 26-May.
* ARDC Annual Survey 2026: by 29-May.
* Research Software Asia Australia Conference 2026: by 29-May.
* The Data Movers Lab: Globus and FileSender Clinics: 5-Jun.
* Building Digital Platform Observatories Symposium: 16-Jun.
* ARCOS Orchestrating AI-Ready Research Infrastructure: 18-Jun.
* AARNet and Globus Technical Catch-ups: 19-Jun.
* Research Computing Roadshow – Sydney: 23-Jun.
* ResBaz QLD – Registrations are Open! 23 to 25-Jun.
* Google Cloud Summit Sydney: 25-Jun.
* Aligning Enterprise IT with National Research Infrastructure: 20-Jul.
* WHPC eResearch Australasia Conference Bursary Programme: by 31-Jul.
* New HPC Hearts & Minds Podcast Episode Released.
* Queensland Nectar Node Transition to The University of Queensland.
* WHPC Mentorship Programme Now Accepting Applications.
* National AI Virtual Research Environment for Healthcare Research.
* Latest Updates from the ARDC’s People Research Data Commons.
* Voices of the Night: Citizen Science and Owl Conservation.

NCI Courses: from 13-May

Simple Python Acceleration:  Optimising Loops and Functions with Numba
May 13, 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm: https://events.humanitix.com/simple-python-acceleration-optimising-loops-and-functions-with-numba.
Learn how to speed up Python and NumPy workflows using Numba’s Just-in-Time (JIT) compilation for CPU parallelisation and GPU acceleration with minimal code changes.

Getting Started with Gadi
May 19, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm: https://opus.nci.org.au/spaces/Help/pages/144277624/Seminar+Getting+Started+with+Gadi.
An introductory seminar for new and existing users covering the basics of using Gadi, Australia’s national supercomputer, for large-scale scientific and computational research.

Helpdesk Hour
May 21, Jun 4 (every other Thursday), 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm: https://anu.zoom.us/j/87643811583?pwd=KhC27bp20xpDUmPlQ4bo1rQXFcKe3h.1#success.
A drop-in support session where users can ask questions, troubleshoot issues, and get guidance on using NCI systems and services.

Python Acceleration: GPU-Powered Array Computing with CuPy
May 27, 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm: https://events.humanitix.com/python-acceleration-gpu-powered-array-computing-with-cupy.
Explore how to use CuPy and NVIDIA CUDA to accelerate array-based Python computations on GPUs for faster scientific and numerical computing.

Check the NCI Training website for more details and to register: https://nci.org.au/users/user-training or https://opus.nci.org.au/spaces/Help/pages/48497461/NCI+Training+and+Educational+Events.

RAiD Global Community Meeting: 20-May

The inaugural RAiD Global Community Meeting is on 20 May 2026, with sessions at times suited to APAC, EMEA, and Americas audiences. Hear the latest on RAiD — the ISO standard persistent identifier for research projects — from Registration Agencies in Australia, the Netherlands, the United States, and Canada. Guest speakers will discuss use cases and integrations with institutional research management tools. The webinar will be recorded and shared with all registrants. Free to attend.

Date: Wednesday 20 May, 12 noon–1 pm AEST (online).

Register at: https://ardc.edu.au/event/raid-global-community-meeting/.

Call for Applications: 9th APAC HPC-AI Competition: by 22-May

NCI is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 9th APAC HPC-AI Competition, following the success of last year’s program, which culminated in the award ceremony at SupercomputingAsia 2026 in Osaka. This international competition provides PhD candidates and early career researchers with an opportunity to collaborate, innovate, and showcase their expertise in high-performance computing and AI.

Deadline: May 22

How to Apply: Review the competition details on the HPC Advisory Council website and submit a proposal: https://www.hpcadvisorycouncil.com/events/2026/APAC-AI-HPC/.

Women in HPC Fortnightly Zoom Catchup: 26-May

Did you know Women in HPC Australasia Chapter hosts fortnightly Zoom Meetups? These are a casual space to meet other Chapter members, learn about happenings across the region, and dive into topics of common interest.

Our next session is coming up on Tuesday 26 May and we’ve got Linda McIver, Executive Director of the Australian Data Science Education Institute, coming along to share her tips & tricks for making presentations at conferences a bit more fun.

Join our Chapter’s #events channel in Slack for details or subscribe to the calendar series here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nHxOAcGIeN5HLFO4cTiWGp3o27XkRr_H/edit#bookmark=id.r0idwwl2spn6.

For details about WHPC see: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nHxOAcGIeN5HLFO4cTiWGp3o27XkRr_H/edit.

ARDC Annual Survey 2026: by 29-May

Do you use ARDC services or work with the ARDC? Please take the anonymous, 5 minute, annual survey - closes 29 May.

ARDC will use the information you provide to improve the services we deliver and report on user satisfaction to the Australian Government’s National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) program.

Go to: https://ardc.edu.au/article/ardc-annual-survey-2026/.

Research Software Asia Australia Conference 2026: by 29-May

We invite submissions for RSAA26, held 25 August 2026. This year’s theme is “Research Software Without Borders: Building Equitable, Sustainable, and Connected Research Software Communities,” part of the Equersa conference network. We welcome contributions from RSEs, researchers, infrastructure providers, librarians, data specialists, students, and community organisers. Share your work, connect across regions, and contribute to global conversations.

Submit Lightning Talks, Demos/Showcases, Presentations, or alternative formats like workshops or panels. Proposals have been extended to 29 May 2026. Whether sharing tools, lessons, infrastructure, or community experiences, we look forward to your submission.

See: https://rseaa.org/call_for_presentations.

The Data Movers Lab: Globus and FileSender Clinics: 5-Jun

This is a monthly online drop-in session for anyone working with Globus and FileSender through AARNet.

These informal, community-driven sessions provide a relaxed space to explore research data movement challenges, exchange ideas, and learn from shared experiences. Staff from the AARNet Digital Research Team are available to share knowledge and help participants make the most of these data movement services.

All levels of expertise are welcome, and sessions may occasionally focus on specific themes based on community feedback.

Find out more or register at https://aarnet.zoom.us/meeting/register/JF_qcJuQRrizRJEx5DMLlQ.

Building Digital Platform Observatories Symposium: 16-Jun

The Australian Internet Observatory is joining with UQ to present a symposium to explore how digital observatories can strengthen public accountability and research capacity around digital platforms and automated systems.

Location: UQ Brisbane City Campus.
Date: 16 June, 9am to 6pm.

Details and to register: https://ardc.edu.au/event/building-digital-platform-observatories-symposium/.

ARCOS Symposium 2026: Orchestrating AI-Ready Research Infrastructure: 18-Jun

Bringing together the Australian Research Container Orchestration Service (ARCOS) community and others in the research sector to share use cases and expertise and advance the ARCOS project

Date: 18 Jun, 9:30am to 5pm.
Location: Online and Monash University Caulfield.

Details and to register: https://ardc.edu.au/event/arcos-symposium-2026-orchestrating-ai-ready-research-infrastructure/.

AARNet and Globus Technical Catch-ups: 19-Jun

AARNet is hosting Globus technical sessions to help researchers learn more about Globus and discuss technical challenges or issues related to data movement or their Globus service.

Globus is a fast, reliable, and secure data transfer service available to the Australian research community via AARNet. These sessions are open to all researchers, with AARNet and Globus experts on hand to offer guidance and support.

Find out more or register your interest at: https://aarnet.edu.au/aarnet-globus-technical-catch-ups.

Research Computing Roadshow – Sydney: 23-Jun

NCI Australia, the Pawsey Supercomputing Centre, and HPC CSIRO are hosting a Research Computing Roadshow at UNSW Sydney on the 23rd and 24th of June 2026. The program will provide hands-on training, user support, and expert advice on supercomputing and data services.

The roadshow is open to Sydney based NCI, Pawsey, and CSIRO users, and will be followed by a UNSW specific NCI training event. Attendees will benefit from technical workshops, targeted support, and opportunities to discuss research needs in person. Sydney users, keep your eye out for an invitation soon!

Contact brittany.burgess@anu.edu.au for details

ResBaz QLD – Registrations are Open! 23 to 25-Jun

ResBaz QLD returns to Brisbane for its 10th anniversary, with three days of hands-on digital research training, workshops, talks, and community-building at QUT Kelvin Grove. Featuring nearly 50 sessions, the program supports PhD candidates, early-career researchers, and research professionals to learn, share, and connect. Keynotes include Professor Michael Milford, Celise Gibson, Amanda Miotto, and Natasha Kitano.

QCIF Digital Research will also offer informal drop-in sessions during breaks, providing quick advice in Statistics, Bioinformatics, and HASS.

Dates: 23–25 June 2026

Register here: https://resbaz.github.io/resbaz2026qld/registration/.

Google Cloud Summit Sydney: 25-Jun

The era of AI experimentation is behind us. Enterprises across Australia and New Zealand are ready to scale investments and drive real-world outcomes.

Join us on June 25 at the Google Cloud Summit to hear from Paul Migliorini, Francis deSouza, and industry leaders from Atlassian, Bunnings, and ReachOut on building the regional AI platform. Following Next ‘26, we’ll explore the Agentic Enterprise system and how Gemini Enterprise transforms complex processes.

Let Google Cloud handle the heavy lifting of enterprise adoption so you can focus on moving your business forward.

Link to use: https://cloudonair.withgoogle.com/events/summit-sydney-2026?utm_campaign=FY26-Q2-APAC-GLO39595-physicalevent-er-sum-sydney-157461&utm_medium=email&utm_source=sales_contacts&utm_content=summits26_sydney_invite1_sales&utm_term=-.

Aligning Enterprise IT with National Research Infrastructure: 20-Jul

This three-hour expert-led Worshop, facilitated by the Australasian eResearch Organisations (AeRO), and delivered as part of CAUDIT+Questnet Conference in Brisbane on 20 July (from 9am to 12:30pm), focuses on the intersection of institutional IT and national research capabilities. Tailored specifically for IT professionals supporting research domains (including Business Analysts, Solution Architects, Enterprise Architects, and IT Directors) the session provides a strategic and operational overview of the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) and an opportunity for technical and management staff to gain expert-led insights, understand emerging architectural patterns in this Domain, and refine service delivery models for research projects.

More information: https://www.strongertogether.edu.au/program/aligning-enterprise-it-with-national-research-infrastructure/.

Women in HPC eResearch Australasia Conference Bursary Programme is Back: by 31-Jul

As evidenced by recent reports and witnessed at regional and international sector events, women and other marginalised groups are still significantly underrepresented as conference attendees and even more so as speakers.

Over the last three years, our Women in High Performance Computing Chapter (WHPC+ Australasia) has worked to improve and support participation from underrepresented groups at the eResearch Australasia Conference.

Applications are now open for our Chapter’s Conference Bursary programme -- the deadline to apply is Friday 31 July. Full details on eligibility & what’s involved: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc_ZBJ656acI8tB8vUVK7Z8x5aY1tlMUQqRdfOMaC2iLDDSjg/viewform.

New HPC Hearts & Minds Podcast Episode Released

With the world still abuzz about the Moon since Artemis II, the latest podcast episode of HPC Hearts and Minds talks to Professor Gretchen Benedix, an astro-geologist at Curtin University.

Gretchen used High Performance Computing to map every crater on Mars (all 94 million of them) in 24 hours. Her work in mapping craters on Mars and the Moon have led to us better understanding the planets and moons in our solar system.

Watch the podcast: https://pawsey.org.au/science-showcase/podcast/episode-2-gretchen-benedix.

Queensland Nectar Node Transition to The University of Queensland

From 1 July 2026, The University of Queensland (UQ) will take over operational responsibility for the Queensland Node of the Australian Research Data Commons (ARDC) Nectar Research Cloud from QCIF Digital Research.

This transition is building on UQ’s extensive experience in delivering national research services and QCIF Digital Research’s successful stewardship of the Queensland node since its inception.

If you have any questions or concerns, our support team at the Support Centre for the ARDC Nectar Research Cloud is here to help: https://support.ehelp.edu.au/support/home.

WHPC Mentorship Programme Now Accepting Applications

The global Women in HPC community creates opportunities for connection, support, and professional growth across our region and beyond. As part of those efforts, WHPC global run a Mentoring Programme and its next cohort begins in June 2026.

If you are seeking a mentor or would like to give back to the community by mentoring someone, you can apply to join the programme now. The WHPC+ Australasia Chapter would love to see more community members from across the Asia Pacific region make connections through this programme so please spread the word! You can find more details on the WHPC global website: https://womeninhpc.org/community/mentoring.

National AI Virtual Research Environment for Healthcare Research

ARDC, UQ and Intersect to Co-Develop a National AI Virtual Research Environment for Healthcare Research.

A new partnership is developing a National AI Virtual Research Environment (VRE) to accelerate reproducible, AI-enabled healthcare research across Australia.

More details: https://ardc.edu.au/article/ardc-uq-intersect-co-develop-national-ai-virtual-research-environment-for-healthcare-research/.

Latest Updates from the ARDC’s People Research Data Commons

Discover the latest news, resources and upcoming events for health and medical research in this update from Dr Adrian Burton, Director of the People Research Data Commons.

We’re excited to continue delivering digital research infrastructure to address data challenges facing Australian health and medical researchers in 2026. The year has got off to a busy start for the ARDC’s People Research Data Commons, with 6 new projects launching, and exciting events coming up.

Further information: https://ardc.edu.au/article/latest-updates-from-the-people-research-data-commons-may-2026/.

Voices of the Night: Citizen Science and Owl Conservation

A recent Open Ecoacoustics and Powerful Owl Workshop showcased how citizen scientists and cutting-edge AI technology are combining to drive massive improvements in bird conservation and distribution prediction.

Hosted at The University of Queensland, St Lucia, by the ARDC, BirdLife Australia, and Open Ecoacoustics on 21-March, the Workshop held shared practical tools developed by Open Ecoacoustics that enable researchers, conservation practitioners and citizen scientists to manage, share and analyse environmental sound data at scale.

Learn how to join the community and verify calls.

More information: https://ardc.edu.au/article/voices-of-the-night-citizen-scientists-support-powerful-owl-conservation-with-ecoacoustics/.

Contributions

This newsletter is based on contributions from members of the eResearch community, and draws on news articles and newsletters published across the sector. The Newsletter is published around the 16th of each month. Please send all contributions (max. 100 words + link + image) or pointers to any other relevant articles or newsletters to editor@aero.edu.au.
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Thanks, Alex Reid, AeRO Newsletter Editor.

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