Nectar in NZ: Seven years on…

In February 2017, at eResearch New Zealand, ministers from New Zealand and Australia committed to enhanced collaboration across the Tasman in the eResearch domain, with one key goal focusing on shared projects and technologies. This significant step forward enabled the Centre for eResearch at the University of Auckland to activate the Auckland node of the Nectar Research Cloud the following year, with substantial support from the ARDC.

Over the past seven years, the landscape of cloud research computing has transformed dramatically. We have seen the emergence of numerous new tools, advancements in AI, the development of new workflows, and the need for new skills. There has also been an increased emphasis on cybersecurity, data sovereignty, and environmental sustainability, alongside a substantial boost in overall capability.

This presentation will highlight how we have adapted to these changes, share key lessons learned, and discuss our future directions.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Sean Matheny began his career working in the physics department of the largest radiation oncology treatment provider in the U.S. There, he helped to improve QA, dosimetry, and treatment planning and delivery via technology, machine learning, and automation. For the last 8 years, he’s primarily worked in roles that have enabled research cloud platforms and HPC (high performance computing) in both the Centre for eResearch (University of Auckland), and NeSI. Currently, he helps operate the Auckland node of the Nectar Research Cloud, at the Centre for eResearch. 

Martin Feller Since moving to New Zealand Martin Feller has worked at the Centre for eResearch at the University of Auckland in various roles. He is currently leading the Platform and Services Team, which is looking after the operations of the Nectar OpenStack platform, other backend services, automation and reporting. 

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For more information about the eResearch NZ / eRangahau Aotearoa conference, visit:
https://eresearchnz.co.nz/