New era for digital research infrastructure

REANNZ is the host for the new Platform and will combine its high-speed fibre optic network with NeSI’s advanced computing, data and support services, enabling researchers to access powerful digital tools, training and infrastructure at scale. The platform will support high-performance computing, AI capability development, and provide access to data networks that connect to specialist instruments such as the Australian Synchrotron and genomics storage arrays to help Kiwi scientists achieve bigger breakthroughs, faster.

The new integrated platform will:

• Give public and private organisations shared access to digital tools and services, so they don’t each have to build their own.
• Help researchers build skills required for modern digital research, supported by expert support teams and training.
• Connect researchers to high-performance computing resources such as Earth Sciences New Zealand’s supercomputer.
• Support research collaborations nationally and internationally through access to high-speed fibre optic networks.

REANNZ will continue to provide services that support education and accelerate research, including cyber threat intelligence, cloud and identity services, filesender and eduroam - a secure global roaming access service used by researchers and students in over 100 countries.

The integration is supported by a five-year contract between MBIE and REANNZ, funded through the Strategic Science Investment Fund (Infrastructure). The $13.93 million annual investment reflects the combined baseline funding for REANNZ and NeSI.

This initiative aligns with the Government’s priorities to make more effective use of national resources and strengthen New Zealand’s science, innovation and technology system.