This document summarizes Dr. Helen Thompson's presentation on advancing industry and academic research collaborations and getting research funded. It discusses the University of Ballarat's role in contributing to the regional economy through jobs and innovation. It also outlines the university's technology park, research initiatives like the Collaborative Research Network, and examples of research collaborations leveraging high-speed broadband including in telehealth, groundwater management, and digital skills development.
National broadband champion update 13 nov 2012Helen Thompson
Australia's National Broadband Champions participated in the National Telework Forum in Melbourne on 5 December 2012. They also met with the Senator Stephen Conroy.
In discussion the follow day the Broadband Champions reflected on their involvement in 2012. Discussions with DBCDE and NBN Co representatives explored how broadband will benefit specialist fields from medicine through to business and education.
The Rangelands Initiative of the International Land Coalition: Connecting, mo...ILRI
Poster prepared by Fiona Flintan (ILRI); Ken Otieno (RECONCILE); Hijaba Ykhanbai (JASIL); Dinesh Desai (MARAG); Gabriel Seghezzo (FUNDAPAZ) for the 7th Multi-Stakeholder Partnership Meeting of the Global Agenda for Sustainable Livestock, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 8–12 May 2017
The Rangelands Initiative
The International Land Coalition’s Rangelands Initiative supports government and other actors to influence the development of enabling policy and legislation, and/or implement these in a way that better supports productive and sustainable rangeland use. Through jointly identifying solutions based on innovation and practice the Initiative aims to make rangelands more secure for local rangeland users.
The University of Ballarat’s Centre for eCommerce and Communications (CeCC) and Lateral Plains were engaged by the Central Highlands Mayors and CEOs Forum to coordinate the Central Highlands ICT Study.
The study builds upon and is integrated with the Ballarat ICT 2030 and the Moorabool Community Broadband and Telecommunications Strategy.
The objectives of the study included:
Mapping current ICT adoption levels and service satisfaction
Identifying areas of pent up demand for ICT services
In the light of the study findings, examining the consequences for the Central Highlands region and the state of Victoria
Recommending actions to overcome the issues and identifying areas of opportunity for residents and businesses that can be addressed.
The study was completed in the period between March and November 2010.
Wimmera mallee sustainability alliance 12 may 2011Helen Thompson
This presentation reviews the Wimmera Southern Mallee ICT Study. This study was undertaken to guide actions to enhance ICT in the Wimmera Southern Mallee region of Victoria. Presentation also includes NBN mapping and regional telecommunications mapping.
National broadband champion update 13 nov 2012Helen Thompson
Australia's National Broadband Champions participated in the National Telework Forum in Melbourne on 5 December 2012. They also met with the Senator Stephen Conroy.
In discussion the follow day the Broadband Champions reflected on their involvement in 2012. Discussions with DBCDE and NBN Co representatives explored how broadband will benefit specialist fields from medicine through to business and education.
The Rangelands Initiative of the International Land Coalition: Connecting, mo...ILRI
Poster prepared by Fiona Flintan (ILRI); Ken Otieno (RECONCILE); Hijaba Ykhanbai (JASIL); Dinesh Desai (MARAG); Gabriel Seghezzo (FUNDAPAZ) for the 7th Multi-Stakeholder Partnership Meeting of the Global Agenda for Sustainable Livestock, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 8–12 May 2017
The Rangelands Initiative
The International Land Coalition’s Rangelands Initiative supports government and other actors to influence the development of enabling policy and legislation, and/or implement these in a way that better supports productive and sustainable rangeland use. Through jointly identifying solutions based on innovation and practice the Initiative aims to make rangelands more secure for local rangeland users.
The University of Ballarat’s Centre for eCommerce and Communications (CeCC) and Lateral Plains were engaged by the Central Highlands Mayors and CEOs Forum to coordinate the Central Highlands ICT Study.
The study builds upon and is integrated with the Ballarat ICT 2030 and the Moorabool Community Broadband and Telecommunications Strategy.
The objectives of the study included:
Mapping current ICT adoption levels and service satisfaction
Identifying areas of pent up demand for ICT services
In the light of the study findings, examining the consequences for the Central Highlands region and the state of Victoria
Recommending actions to overcome the issues and identifying areas of opportunity for residents and businesses that can be addressed.
The study was completed in the period between March and November 2010.
Wimmera mallee sustainability alliance 12 may 2011Helen Thompson
This presentation reviews the Wimmera Southern Mallee ICT Study. This study was undertaken to guide actions to enhance ICT in the Wimmera Southern Mallee region of Victoria. Presentation also includes NBN mapping and regional telecommunications mapping.
Achievements and opportunities for the use of the Internet in education in We...Internet Society
Africa Regional Internet Development Dialogue
Kigali, Rwanda, 8-9 May 2017
By Prof Hamidou Boly, Ecowas Commissioner for Education, Science and Culture
Here is our presentation for technical, financial, and logistical solutions to areas of the world in crisis: No power, poverty, civil war, these issues are adressed in part by our network, consisting of Wi-Fi long range internet, VoIP phone service, solar powered batteries and lighting, video camcorders and upload capability 24/7
contact: Ted Pethick @:
tpethick@bosco-uganda.org
or:
http://www.bosco-uganda.org
Africa Regional Internet Development Dialogue
Kigali, Rwanda, 8-9 May 2017
By Aminata A. Garba, Assistant Professor Electrical and Computer Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University
Federation University Australia Spatial Research 2014Helen Thompson
The Centre for eCommerce and Communications (CeCC) is located within the Office of Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research and Innovation) at Federation University Australia.
Key areas of applied research, commercial activities and community engagement include eResearch, digital futures and spatial research.
Spatial research projects vary in their scale, complexity and technology use.
This presentation illustrates how different approaches and technologies are being utilised in diverse contexts
2104 4th Annual National Higher Education Communication Officers' Conference ...Helen Thompson
Better, faster, more: Strategies for the next generation of broadband
Federation University Australia through the Centre for eCommerce and Communications (CeCC) is delivering a dynamic awareness and skills development program. The Centre assists businesses and not-for-profit entities to leverage opportunities from broadband technologies and deliver learning programs to internal university stakeholders. One of the trends predicted by international experts in digital communication is the transition from text based information to content that is viewed spatially, in 3D and other visual formats. Helen will discuss:
• How next generation broadband creates new opportunities
• Strategies: Using visual storytelling to deliver the message
• Tools to create increased audience engagement
The National Broadband Network: Rolling out the facts: Under the Expo theme of Prepare, don't predict BCG members and other regional staekholders came together to learn more about next generation broadband and the potential for farming enterprises and communities.
Achievements and opportunities for the use of the Internet in education in We...Internet Society
Africa Regional Internet Development Dialogue
Kigali, Rwanda, 8-9 May 2017
By Prof Hamidou Boly, Ecowas Commissioner for Education, Science and Culture
Here is our presentation for technical, financial, and logistical solutions to areas of the world in crisis: No power, poverty, civil war, these issues are adressed in part by our network, consisting of Wi-Fi long range internet, VoIP phone service, solar powered batteries and lighting, video camcorders and upload capability 24/7
contact: Ted Pethick @:
tpethick@bosco-uganda.org
or:
http://www.bosco-uganda.org
Africa Regional Internet Development Dialogue
Kigali, Rwanda, 8-9 May 2017
By Aminata A. Garba, Assistant Professor Electrical and Computer Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University
Federation University Australia Spatial Research 2014Helen Thompson
The Centre for eCommerce and Communications (CeCC) is located within the Office of Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research and Innovation) at Federation University Australia.
Key areas of applied research, commercial activities and community engagement include eResearch, digital futures and spatial research.
Spatial research projects vary in their scale, complexity and technology use.
This presentation illustrates how different approaches and technologies are being utilised in diverse contexts
2104 4th Annual National Higher Education Communication Officers' Conference ...Helen Thompson
Better, faster, more: Strategies for the next generation of broadband
Federation University Australia through the Centre for eCommerce and Communications (CeCC) is delivering a dynamic awareness and skills development program. The Centre assists businesses and not-for-profit entities to leverage opportunities from broadband technologies and deliver learning programs to internal university stakeholders. One of the trends predicted by international experts in digital communication is the transition from text based information to content that is viewed spatially, in 3D and other visual formats. Helen will discuss:
• How next generation broadband creates new opportunities
• Strategies: Using visual storytelling to deliver the message
• Tools to create increased audience engagement
The National Broadband Network: Rolling out the facts: Under the Expo theme of Prepare, don't predict BCG members and other regional staekholders came together to learn more about next generation broadband and the potential for farming enterprises and communities.
Regional web-based health and wellbeing dataHelen Thompson
The Central Highlands Primary Care Partnership in Victoria is exploring the development of a regional web based health and wellbeing data medium which incorporates spatial mapping. This presentation di options and opportunities that will further enhance as next generation broadband become available. The steps involved in progressing a regional web based data source through collaboration with government departments, stakeholders such as Medicare Locals and others are identified.
The University of Ballarat projectthat federates groundwater data from disparate sources to assist groundwater researchers and help water managers make the correct choices for the sustainable use of a precious resource is making significant progress.
This presentation to Central Highlands Agribusiness Forum highliest
CeRDI Research | EPA Victoria presentation Helen Thompson
Robert Milne and Helen Thompson from Federation University Australia's Centre for eResearch and Digital Innovation provide this presentation to Environment Protection Authority Victoria on 22 September 2016.
The presentation introduced CeRDI's approach to eResearch and profiled applied research projects in areas including groundwater, estuaries and waterways; soil health and soil moisture probes; natural resource management planning and climate change.
Latin America Researc Visit to FedUni Centre for eResearch and Digital Innova...Helen Thompson
Under the Australia Awards Fellowship (AAF), the Victorian State Government’s Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources Division of International Education has organised and sponsored a delegation of Latin-American Universities’ senior research administrators and researchers to visit Victorian universities in September.
FedUni hosted the delegation on Wednesday 23 September at Mt Helen
Centre for eResearch and Digital Innovation - Research OverviewHelen Thompson
The Centre for eResearch and Digital Innovation (CeRDI) is a Federation University Australia (FedUni) Centre focused on:
• The application of information communications technology (ICT) and the development of innovative, world class knowledge management systems;
• Significantly advancing the digital literacy and knowledge management capabilities and capacity of partner organisations;
• Fostering, development and implementation of eResearch within academia and industry; and
• Measuring the impact of eResearch and digital innovation through longitudinal research.
CeRDI is also gaining national and international recognition in innovative spatial information systems.
This presentation showcases some of the diverse range of projects are that being supported through the team at CeRDI.
Projects are at various stages of their evolution with many sharing common goals to inform ‘big picture’ understanding and enhance decision making, create greater efficiencies in communication, increase the quality of information and support policy formulation and evaluation.
The hype and the hope: Progressing towards big data insights for regional com...Helen Thompson
Helen Thompson, Peter Dahlhaus & Andrew MacLeod
Federation University Australia, Ballarat, Victoria
In this age of ‘big data’ virtually every field of research and practice is being redefined. Governments are adopting open data policies with the aim of delivering efficiency benefits, increasing evidence based planning, enhancing productivity and innovation. Inescapable discussions around big data and analytics are partly in response to an increased availability of next generation broadband and mobile technologies which have created a society that is spatially enabled and aware. Big business and citizens increasingly expect to be able to access past and current information about any location to find answers to their spatial queries. Opportunities are emerging for regional communities to take initiative and eradicate information silos which may have hindered regional collaboration and innovation. In parallel with assisting regions to embrace big data and foster data sharing a range of research questions arise:
1. What are the best methods to provide access to big and complex data, to assist decision makers?
2. How can digital technologies be used to enhance, rather than repeat, past research?
3. Can qualitative data be used to improve the accuracy of quantitative data or metadata?
4. How can we harness Citizen Science and include crowd-sourced data, while minimising subjective bias and maintaining accuracy?
Interoperable spatial knowledge systems with dynamic modelling and visualisation capabilities have been developed in response to these research challenges. Examples are provided of systems developed in a variety of fields including groundwater research, catchment management, and strategic planning for bushfire.
Presentation during the 14th Association of African Universities (AAU) Conference and African Open Science Platform (AOSP)/Research Data Alliance (RDA) Workshop in Accra, Ghana, 7-8 June 2017.
This presentation presented by BroadBand USA and the International City/County Management Association Conference focuses on the economic impact of broadband on rural communities.
University of Ballarat A Regional PerspectiveHelen Thompson
The University of Ballarat was invited to provide a regional perspective on policy and planning at the Regional Development Victoria 2013 Planning day in February.
APrIGF 2023: Sustainability of Complementary Connectivity InitiativesAPNIC
APNIC Foundation's Head of Programs and Partnerships, Sylvia Cadena, presents on 'Sustainability of Complementary Connectivity Initiatives' at the APrIGF 2023, held from 28 August to 1 September 2023 in Brisbane, Australia.
Combining and Aligning Transportation and Economic Development PlansRPO America
On October 31, the NADO Research Foundation held a virtual peer exchange on the topic combining and aligning transportation and economic development plans. Speakers included Scott Allen (Federal Highway Administration), Charlie Baker (Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission), Mary Rump (East Central Iowa Council of Governments), and Amy Kessler (North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission), with moderation by Carrie Kissel and Megan McConville.
The presentation was made to the Regional Development Australia Barwon South West Committee on 1 December 2016 at the Otway Estate, Barongarook.
The outcomes of the Great South Coast Digital Strategy were presented by Associate Professor Helen Thompson. Helen provided an outline of the study aims, methodology and research outputs. The Great South Coast Digital Strategy Action Plan was then presented.
The focus then shifted to a case study for Digital Agriculture. Helen used a variety of examples from the applied research of the Centre for eResearch and Digital Innovation to explain how information about water, soil, climate and land use could all be brought together to support evidenced based planning and decision making, investment attraction and in the future provide an evidence based to support demonstrate safe and ethical practices.
Regardless of the area of regional economic and/or social priority (e.g. food and fibre; new energy; advanced manufacturing etc) new enabling environments for digital advancement will be required (e.g. to support getting IoT data to the cloud, to link it with other relevant data and to tools for business insights and decision support.
There is an opportunity for the Barwon South West Regional Development Australia and for regional councils to provide leadership directed towards maximising the adoption of digital technologies in areas of regional opportunity and priority.
CeRDI Research | Agriculture, Climate Adaption and Citizen ScienceHelen Thompson
Over the past ten years, Federation University Australia's Centre for eResearch and Digital Innovation (CeRDI) has established a programmatic research programs in area including agriculture, climate adaption and citizen science.
These programs are supported through partnerships with organisations including Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), grower groups nationally, the Victorian Government, Water Authorities and Catchment Management Authority and CSIRO.
This presentation profiles a number of research initiatives that are associated with these programs.
CeRDI is able to bring both a production and catchment perspective to agriculture-related research through the development of innovative digital solutions which bridge the gap between academic research and government, industry and community needs.
Over the past ten years, Federation University Australia's Centre for eResearch and Digital Innovation (CeRDI) has established a programmatic research program in the area of agriculture.
This program is supported through partnerships with organisations including Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), grower groups nationally, the Victorian Government, Corangamite Catchment Management Authority and CSIRO.
This presentation profiles a number of research initiatives that are associated with that program.
CeRDI is able to bring both a production and catchment perspective to agriculture-related research. .
Federation University Australia is a member of the Regional Universities Network (RUN), together with the University of New England, Southern Cross University, Southern Queensland University, Central Queensland University and University of the Sunshine Coast.
In March 2015 the RUN Precision Agriculture Flagship was launched by the Hon. Barnaby Joyce MP.
CeRDI represents Federation University Australia in the RUN Precision Agriculture Flagship. As part of its participation, CeRDI was successful in receiving two PhD scholarships.
Chris Bahlo’s research is focused on advancing the management of livestock health using information systems and international standards for data exchange to be able to federate and exchange livestock health and management data from multiple organisations as well as disparate sensor technologies and proprietary systems using appropriate web-based technologies.
Thomas Hill’s research is focused on the role that legacy data plays in farm decision-making and the adoption of best practice, and seeks to build greater insight into the nature and availability of agricultural legacy data, as well as the barriers and enablers for the sharing of legacy data and information.
Digital Agriculture Data for Research and DecisionHelen Thompson
This presentation was provided to Department of Agriculture representatives in Canberra on 5 August 2016 by Cam Nicholson (Nicon Rural) and Peter Dahlhaus (Federation University Australia) with support from Gareth Smith (Corangamite CMA) and Helen Thompson (FedUni).
Western Alliance Regional Data CollaborationHelen Thompson
Western Alliance Academic Health Science Centre is a partnership of Deakin University, Federation University Australia and 11 health service providers operating across the western region of Victoria. It aims to strengthen existing collaborations by formalising relationships between the partners that have been sustained over the history of the region’s settlement and development.
On 18 July 2016 Western Alliance partners came together for a Regional Data Collaboration Scoping Workshop. This presentation was provided to demonstrate data infrastructure models that have been established in domains outside of health by Federation University Australia's Centre for eResearch and Digital Innovation.
The spatial data and knowledge management infrastructures that underpin CeRDI research partnerships was outlined. Two case studies were also presented - Online Farm Trials Research and Sport and Recreation Spatial.
Horsham Rural City Council representatives visited Federation University Australia's Centre for eResearch and Digital Innovation on 10 Jun 2016 to learn about Centre activities which may be relevant to the Wimmera Region.
RINPAS Data for Decisions - Big Data and Data CommunitiesHelen Thompson
The Research Innovation Network for Precision Agriculture systems held a workshop in Sydney from 31 May to 1 June 2016 where the focus was on Data for Decisions - Big Data and Data Communities. This presentation profiles research being undertaken by Federation University Australia's Centre for eResearch and Digital Innovation which includes knowledge management, spatial research and decision tools including for agriculture.
Presenting Federation University Australia's Centre for eResearch and Digital Innovation research capabilities as part of the Regional Universities Network Vietnam Agriculture Group visit.
CeRDI Research RUN Vietnam Agriculture GroupHelen Thompson
Federation University's Centre for eResearch and Digital Innovation (CeRDI) is participating in the Regional University Network (RUN) Vietnam Agriculture Group. This presentation provides some background on CeRDI initiatives in eResearch.
Areas of focus include capacity building and engagement, research collaborations around soil management, water resources, land use, crop productivity, climate change and adaption, biodiversity, participatory GIS and citizen science.
Major technology and research trends link to ubiquitous high-speed broadband, the petabyte age, open data policies and the opportunities for Universities and particularly regional universities to play a significant role in generating insight from data.
Mobile technologies… App development and responsive design – for student and staff recruitment, engagement, knowledge transfer
3d and visualisation technologies… Massive innovation and research opportunities
Creating virtual groundwater research laboratories through interoperable tech...Helen Thompson
eResearch
How do we provide access to big and complex data in a way that people can use easily… but without biasing the data?
How do we incorporate qualitative data and quantitative data into models and maintain accuracy?
How can we harness Citizen Science and include crowd-sourced data and maintain accuracy?
Can we use digital technologies to we ensure that we don’t keep repeating the same science?
Spatial research is a growing area of focus for the University of Ballarat. This presentation profiles some of the activities which the Centre for eCommerce and Communications is involved in leading.
SEGRA Conference Presentation - Regional Universities Network Helen Thompson
1. SEGRA 2012
Advancing Industry - Academic Research
Collaborations: getting your research funded
Dr Helen Thompson
University of Ballarat and National Broadband Champion
2. Being a Regional University
• Make major contributions to regional
economies and create regional jobs
• Key role in building regional growth
and development through producing,
retaining and attracting qualified
people
• Play a lead role in regional innovation
and business development
3. University of Ballarat Technology Park
Ballarat, has emerged as the most competitive location in
Australia for the delivery of IT services
NBN services being rolled out across region
State government investment of $2.9 million confirmed
paving the way for more investment and jobs in Ballarat
An additional 22 hectare site. Additional 11 buildings with
room for 1500 employees
CBD Technology Park activities will open in July 2013
Major IBM announcement pending
4. Being a Regional University
• Enrich the social, cultural and
environmental quality of life in
regional communities
• Significant contributors to ‘closing the
gap’
• Conduct research that matters
• Demonstrate excellence in learning,
teaching and the student experience
5. Collaborative Research Network
As part of the UB Blueprint research strategy was
re-aligned
CRN funding secured – a 3 year $16m project
with $6m from the Australian Government
CRN Self Sustaining Regions Research and
Innovation Initiative is focuses on the significant
challenges that face regional areas and explores
ways of strengthening regional well-being, health
and social connectedness, and driving regional
rejuvenation
6.
7. RUN’s Objectives
1. To provide policy advice to
government particularly about
tertiary education and regional
development;
2. To strengthen and to promote the
contributions of regional universities
to regional and national
development; and,
3. To share best practice in educational
delivery, training, research and
organisational management.
8. RUN seeks development of a
comprehensive new strategy, the
Regional Development and
Innovation Initiative, that
recognises the role played by
regional universities in facilitating
and strengthening regional
economic development.
9. RUN Research Collaboration
Research collaborations are beginning to
emerge
• Sharing information and access to
research infrastructure
• Exploring the potential for a shared
response to research needs across
Medicare Local Network
• Initiating collaborative research and
engagement around Digital Rural
Futures - Smart Farm, Smart Region
10. NBN enabled telehealth and 3D medicine
UB Secured state government funding via
Broadband Enabled Innovation Program
Led by UB’s Associate Professor Andrew Stranieri -
multiple partners
12 Sites in Victoria
• Tele-dentistry
• Tele-psychiatry
• Tele-oncology
• Tele-wound
• Tele-geriatrics
11. Centre for eCommerce and Communications
Office of Deputy Vice Chancellor Research
University of Ballarat
12. Digital futures and eResearch
CeCC established in 1998 when dial up
internet was being rolled out in regions
Organisational responsibilities
expanded in 2012 to include digital
futures, knowledge management and
eResearch
Supporting UB and regional
organisations in developing and
implementing strategies to support
effective use information
communications technologies
13. Regional Strategic Planning
Not just building strategy but helping
regional organisations to progress
staged implementation
• Assist with securing funding,grant
identification, writing
• Represent region and lead
advocacy in many areas
• Early rollout region for the National
Broadband Network
• Ballarat Smart 21 Intelligent
Community of the Year
14. Visualising Victoria’s Groundwater
Smartly manage our environment
utilising high speed broadband
capabilities to capture, aggregate
and spatially depict Victoria's
groundwater systems for public
access and sustainable
development and management
15. Sport and Recreation Spatial
Bring data together around active
participation, facilities and club
data, population and health
outcomes together to inform
policy and practice
16. Dairy Innovation Australia
An online spatial application
to visualise dairy production
per region and dairy
industry location. The data
used in this prototype
consisted of milk, protein
and fat production levels for
dairy producing regions.
17. Integrated Fire Management Planning
A knowledge database and
data portal using web-based
mapping to support strategic
fire-risk planning using
community, regional, state and
commonwealth data
18. Central Highlands Digital Enterprise Program
Increase digital engagement via two year
public awareness and skills development
program
Deliver training and advice for SMEs.
NFPs and cultural organisations
Approximately $1m secured to support
150 group session and 660 individual
mentoring sessions
Strengthen established network capacity
and foster local champions
19. National Telework Week
• Telework promotes flexible
work practices and the use of
the latest technologies to stay
connected with colleagues,
clients and managers
• UB signed on as partner
• Established internal and
regional working groups
• Workshops and forums with Jon
Dee and Tim Fawcett
• Mapped location for over 1,000
UB staff to provide planning
insights for the future
20. Eureka I’ve found it!
NBN enabled skills and education –
funding being sought from other sources
Goal is to build regional capacity - digitise
regional newspapers, historical collections
and documents from Ballarat and beyond
Identify, describe and create digital
repositories of collections of historical
documents, maps, print resources,
artefacts, images
Interlink with TROVE and other national,
state and educational resources
21. Strongwill and serious games
Partnership with Hume Riverina
Community Legal Services
Online visitors are led through a
three stage game process to help
make decisions about the content of
their Will.
The game explores what would
happen if they were to die without a
Will, collects personal information
and gives a summary of decisions.
22. Further information
Contact
Helen Thompson
Director
Centre for eCommerce and Communications
Office of Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research)
University of Ballarat
Email h.thompson@ballarat.edu.au
Web www.ballarat.edu.au and www.cecc.com.au