AURIN has launched Urban Data Futures, a new initiative supporting emerging data enthusiasts working at the intersection of data, infrastructure, and urban challenges.
The year-long program connects Master of Data Science students from the University of Melbourne with AURIN’s enabling platform and technical advisors. The aim is to give students direct access to national digital research infrastructure and expertise while building a stronger pipeline of future researchers, developers, and collaborators in the urban data space.
Seeding Innovation
Through the program, four student teams will explore real-world urban data challenges using AURIN’s enabling platform. Students receive scientific and technical support from the AURIN team and participate in opportunities to present their work, receive feedback, and connect with professionals from across the AURIN Network.
This initiative is also a pilot. For AURIN, it is a way to test new models of collaboration that support rapid prototyping, strengthen platform capabilities, and increase engagement with students and early-career researchers.
“Urban Data Futures is about opening doors, we’re giving students the space, tools, and support to work on real-world problems while building community in the process.” says Masoud Rahimi, Lead Data Scientist at AURIN.
The program is supported by the AURIN team, including Hao Chen, Brad Greig, Moein Mehr, Javed de Costa, Tracy Baylis, Pascal Perez, and Masoud Rahimi.
Supporting national digital research infrastructure priorities
Through the launch of the Urban Data Futures initiative, AURIN is putting its strategic commitments into practice. It supports the goals of Australia’s national digital research infrastructure, which is designed to serve the public interest through collaboration, shared capabilities, and alignment with government priorities.
This initiative reflects the broader definition of infrastructure outlined in the National Research Infrastructure Strategy: not just data and systems, but people, skills, and knowledge. By investing in student projects and direct engagement, AURIN is helping build the workforce and relationships needed to sustain a national digital ecosystem.
Urban Data Futures also delivers on AURIN’s key strategic goal to build a federated research and training organisation. The initiative strengthens connections between AURIN HQ and the wider research community and aligns with the call for user-centred design across the National Digital Research Infrastructure (NDRI) network. It is a model for how collaborative partnerships can enhance research outcomes and contribute to long-term capability across Australia.
Building skills and networks
Urban Data Futures gives participants exposure to national research infrastructure resources, advice on best practice, and guidance on current trends in urban analytics and platform development.
“It’s not just about individual projects, it’s about building a culture of experimentation, feedback, and trust, one that benefits researchers, governments, and the broader urban ecosystem.” says AURIN Director Pascal Perez.
Stay tuned for more project highlights
Over the coming months, AURIN will share updates from the student teams, their projects, and insights from the program. These reflections will help inform how AURIN and our partners can support similar initiatives in the future.
Take part
Urban Data Futures is part of AURIN’s broader commitment to supporting evidence-based decision-making and growing a connected urban research community across Australia.
If you’re part of a university, research program, or infrastructure initiative and want to explore collaboration with AURIN, contact us at support@aurin.org.au
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