The new AURIN Edge Program is a pilot initiative to help researchers access the data, expertise and technology needed to develop practical solutions for urban and regional challenges.
The pilot supports research that will inform decisions on three areas shaping Australian cities, regional centres and communities:
- How can we plan and deliver housing to better meet community needs?
- What will future mobility systems need to support growing and changing communities?
- How can evidence about energy, transport, housing and land use help guide Australia’s transition to net zero?
AURIN Edge is designed for research that is ready to move from promising work towards practical use. It supports projects that use data to test, develop or demonstrate a research solution with an intended user and a credible pathway to impact.
Research infrastructure for work with a pathway to impact
Researchers can have strong ideas and clear public value in view, yet still face barriers accessing the data, technology or expertise needed to progress their work. AURIN Edge aims to help address that gap by connecting them with hard-to-get data and AURIN expert support.
This inaugural round is a pilot. What researchers need, and how AURIN can best support that work, will help inform the design of future rounds.
Supporting research on Australia’s major challenges
AURIN supports research across three challenge areas: climate change, energy transition and demographic transformation. These challenges affect how Australia’s cities and regions plan for hazards, infrastructure, housing and services.
By helping researchers access relevant data and expertise, AURIN Edge can support evidence and practical solutions for urban policy, planning and investment. The program’s focus connects with Australia’s National Science and Research Priorities and National Urban Policy.
Who can apply for AURIN Edge?
Researchers employed by an Australian university or research organisations working on urban or regional challenges, including early-, mid-, and senior-career researchers, multidisciplinary teams, and AURIN Node partners, may apply. Projects should address an AURIN focus area or make a compelling case for how they fit AURIN’s challenge areas.
The program is intended for projects with an identified user, a credible pathway from research to practical application, and a clear need for the requested resources. Applicants should review the AURIN Edge eligibility criteria and program guidelines before submitting an Expression of Interest.
Data and support available in this round
AURIN Edge provides access to research infrastructure that may include datasets, APIs, training and expert support. This round provides access to a breadth of exclusive, hard-to-access datasets for urban research.
How to express your interest
To begin, visit the AURIN Data Catalogue, search for the dataset you need within the Edge Program and sign in with your institutional credentials. Complete the readiness self-assessment, then submit an Expression of Interest describing your project, the data you need and why it is important to the work.
AURIN may contact eligible applicants to discuss technical requirements for their requested data. Because data resources are limited, Expressions of Interest are reviewed in the context of other applications received in the round.
AURIN Edge Pilot Key Dates
- Expression of Interest deadline: 16 October 2026, 5 pm AEST
- Technical consultations: up to 23 November 2026
- Applicant notifications: November to December 2026
- Expected project commencement: December 2026 to January 2027
Start your Expression of Interest
If your project is ready to progress and needs access to data available through AURIN Edge, visit the Data Catalogue to find the relevant dataset and begin your Expression of Interest. For more information on program requirements, eligibility and guidance, read the AURIN Edge information.
About AURIN
AURIN is the national digital research infrastructure that connects urban researchers and decision-makers with data, expertise and partners for the benefit of Australia’s cities, regions and communities. We provide access to hard-to-get, research-ready data, technology and collaborative expertise to help researchers and decision-makers develop evidence-based, practical solutions for major national challenges.
By enabling challenge-driven research, tools and data products, AURIN drives impact in urban policy, planning and investment, including on climate change, energy transition and demographic change.
AURIN is funded by the Australian Government through the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS).
Athena Thompson
Athena is the Business Development Manager at AURIN. She works with organisations to understand their needs and find effective, practical solutions. Athena has experience in commercialisation, marketing and communications across government, universities, research organisations and private enterprise.
