Broadly speaking, eResearch is the application of advanced Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) to the practice of research. This can be considered as somewhat analogous to the application of e-Commerce to the commercial sector- new tools and techniques open up new possibilities as well as new ways of doing what has always been done. We now take for granted ways of shopping, of making payments, that were not feasible previously.
The range of areas in which eResearch methods can be applied is vast. A very few such examples are
That is eResearch can help you obtain, store, analyse and interpret your data. It can keep you in touch and working with your colleagues no matter where they may be. In short, it helps you do research. Some of these possibilities may have been previously conceptualised- but were not practicable. Some of them are more effective and efficient ways of doing things that have long been done. In all cases, though, we may expect benefits to the way in which our research progresses as a result.
Eventually, there will not be "eResearch" as something distinct in its own right- it will just be part of the way we undertake research, an assumed and relied-upon suite of capabilities that form an integral component of how researchers do their work.
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eResearch SA is a Member of the national Australian Research Collaboration Service (ARCS), along with related state-based organisations in the other capital cities. eResearch SA, its fellow MARCS, and ARCS, endeavour to provide Australian researchers with access to eResearch facilities and services that are necessary for the effective conduct of contemporary and future research.
eResearch SA, through its relationship with ARCS as well as other national eResearch bodies such as ANDS, acts as the South Australian focus for such activities. Thus, it aims primarily to assist local (i.e. South Australian) researchers, whilst taking part also in the devleopment and deployment of these activities on a national level. This leads to a consistency and robustness of service, since the same tools, techniques and methodologies are being applied locally and nationally.
eResearch SA provides access to eResearch facilities and practical support and guidance to South Australian researchers from all disciplines.
Talk to us about your research project and how eResearch SA can help you with:
Most of our services are free for university researchers.
Yes. These are held annually, over the period late November to February. Please see here for further information.
The ITS Divisions of the eResearch SA members support corporate, desktop and teaching applications. In keeping with normal practice in large organisations, these services are highly standardised in order to deliver consistent service quality across each institution.
While this approach is very cost-effective, it is not always well suited to the needs of researchers seeking to use ICT as a research tool.
eResearch SA, on the other hand, provides researcher-oriented IT tools and services that focus on flexibility and performance and are often highly specialised to specific applications.
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