Intersect: eResearch support and innovation for NSW

This is the interim website for Intersect, the NSW Institute for Transdisciplinary eResearch Services and Technology.

What is Intersect?

Intersect is the new peak eResearch body servicing the local research and innovation sector including all NSW universities and relevant public and private sector research agencies. With a much needed concentration of eResearch expertise in the state, Intersect will coordinate the resources of existing islands of technical capability among its members and partners to identify, develop and deliver world-class ICT enabled platforms to drive the next generation of research and innovation.

Intersect has been established by a consortium of NSW universities, SIRCA and the NSW State Government, and is constituted as a not-for-profit company.

Foundation members of Intersect are:

Strategic Intent

Intersect will:

Raise awareness and stimulate the uptake of eResearch technologies primarily at NSW universities but also across public and private sector research agencies
Address critical eResearch skills shortages through the provision of training, professional development and career enhancement opportunities
Promote high impact research outcomes through a) the identification, development and delivery of valuable eResearch tools and services targeting priority state research areas and b) more effective collaboration between NSW researchers and links with other national and international centres of excellence
Achieve greater efficiencies through a) the sharing of common infrastructure/technology platforms, b) the facilitation of joint funding bids including with international, government and industry partners, and c) the leveraging of co-funded projects with PfC (NCRIS 5.16: Platforms for Collaboration) and other NCRIS capability areas
Provide a much needed national focus for the application of eResearch in the humanities, arts and social sciences
Represent NSW interests and research leadership at the national level through direct participation in the various PfC Boards and Committees and, in doing so, act as the primary coordinating mechanism for the delivery of PfC agency services, and other service providers such as ac3, to NSW research institutions
Build a sustainable and enduring service-driven business model through a) a core focus on delivering commercial grade services to its member institutions and b) actively pursuing income diversification initiatives from day one.

The Intersect Board

Professor Mark Wainwright (Chair)

Professor Sue Rowley (UTS)

Professor James Dalziel (MU)

Mr John Shipp (USyd)

Mr John Masters (SIRCA)

Mr Peter Nikoletatos (Newc)

Dr Mike Briers (Interim CEO)

Two independent directors and a representative from the State government are yet to appointed by the Board

News

Intersect is GO

On the 25 June 2008 the Intersect proposal was approved by six NSW universities and Intersect was formally established. A Board of Directors has been appointed with Professor Mark Wainwright as Chair and Dr Michael Briers as interim CEO.

The Department of State and Regional Development (DSRD) has approved a Science Leveraging Fund grant, which will provide funding to Intersect over the next three years.

The initial goal of establishing a viable Intersect by mid-2008 has been achieved.

Intersect is established as a not-for-profit company limited-by-guarantee, governed by a Constitution that grants NSW research institutions eligibility as members.

The process to establish Intersect as the NSW member of ARCS is currently underway.

25 July 2008

Contacts

Email: enquiries@intersect.org.au

Phone: +61 2 9236 9106