Remote research collaboration using Access Grid

Rebecca Squires, Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth (ARACY)

Access Grid is an internet-based collaborative communications package. It incorporates video and audio-conference tools, remote interactive control of software, and distributed viewing of content.

It can be used for remote meetings with talking heads, for remote teaching or meetings, as well as one-way or interactive content display, and, with the appropriate applications, interactive research and research discussion with remote control of software and hardware.

The Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth (ARACY), a national non-profit organisation, makes use of eResearch SA’s videoconference room to hold monthly seminars. ARACY uses Access Grid technology to make the process of information exchange simple, beneficial and cost effective, and believes it is integral in helping to share information across time and distance barriers.

These seminars are used to share research project experiences and outcomes, as well as to disseminate data, and inform members and stakeholders regarding a wide range of issues affecting the wellbeing of children and young people.

ARACY’s member base spans Australia, and includes more than 1000 individuals and organisations. By creating virtual seminars, ARACY enables members and stakeholders to meet face-to-face. As one participant commented, ‘It really overcomes the tyranny of distance. It’s wonderful to be able to ‘virtually’ attend such seminars in my field of research.’

Meetings involve up to 70 participants and feature a shared PowerPoint presentation which is viewed simultaneously in each location, in conventional meeting room conditions. The flexibility of Access Grid technology supports ARACY’s goal to build and support collaborations of researchers, policy makers and practitioners across disciplines, to share knowledge and foster new ways of thinking and working.

eResearch SA’s Access Grid facility allows ARACY to maintain a high level of information exchange and to keep up to date with progress in all the various sectors impacting the wellbeing of children and young people. Access Grid also means members can meet personally without the need for extensive travel. Meetings may be held as often as is felt necessary, and with great freedom in scheduling.