Ellen Lyrtzis, Kathyrn Unsworth, Aidan Wilson, Meirian Lovelace-Tozer, Sara King, Darya Vanichkina, Masoud Rahimi
Biographies:
Ellen Lyrtzis, Skills Development Lead (NCRIS), Australian Research Data Commons (ARDC)
With a background in health and medical research and project management, Ellen supports the ARDC’s vision for advancing data-driven research by helping to bring national capability (NCRIS) together, foster collaboration and promote best practices in skills development and training for users of national research infrastructure.
Meirian Lovelace-Tozer, Skills Development Lead (Services), Australian Research Data Commons
With over 10 years of experience in education, Meirian is committed to making an impact through empowering Australian research communities with a competitive advantage. Meirian delivers training and resources that support researchers to effectively leverage ARDC services.
Dr Masoud Rahimi, Lead Data Scientist, AURIN
Masoud is the Lead Data Scientist at AURIN, where he applies a logic-first, problem-driven approach to turning research into real-world impact. With expertise in data integration, analytics, and applied AI, he focuses on identifying industry and societal needs before designing targeted, scalable solutions.
Amanda Zhu, Software Engineering Group Lead, Australian BioCommons
Amanda is a skilled software engineer with experience in automotive software simulation and ECU virtualisation. She contributed to Toyota’s autonomous vehicle testing and now plays a key role in supporting Australia’s life sciences research through collaborative digital platforms. With a strong foundation in C++, Python, and CI/CD, Amanda focuses on building reliable and efficient software solutions.
Aidan Wilson, Digital Research Services Manager, Intersect
Aidan Wilson is the Digital Research Services Manager at Intersect, a role that overseas a team of Digital Research Analysts as well as Intersect’s Digital Research Skills Development Program.
Sara King, Manager, Research and Innovation Engagement, AARNet
Dr Sara King is Manager, Research & Innovation Engagement at AARNet, where she leads programs that connect researchers, students and institutions with the people, skills and technologies needed to advance research and innovation. She specialises in building capability, developing partnerships, and translating emerging technologies into practical outcomes for the research and education community.
Dr Darya Vanichkina, Data Science Group Lead, University of Sydney – Sydney Informatics Hub (Not presenting)
Darya is an empathetic leader with a focus on building a strong, collaborative team that develops innovative data science & artificial intelligence solutions. She holds a PhD in genomics and bioinformatics and has over 6 years of consultancy experience, working on projects as diverse as gambling harms, analysis of language in media and patient outcome prediction in acute care. Darya is a leader in the digital upskilling of others through her work with SIH’s training program, the Carpentries and ARDC and mentoring other trainers as a SFHEA
Abstract:
Australia’s significant investment in national digital research infrastructure has created a world-class foundation for innovation. The next great opportunity lies in fully unlocking this capability for researchers, universities, research institutes, government and industry. By streamlining access, reducing friction and building clearer pathways for adoption, we can help researchers easily transition from their familiar local tools to these high-powered national capabilities. Strong local support will be the bridge that makes this transition possible.
This Birds of a Feather session brings together research managers, eResearch specialists, librarians, and infrastructure providers to examine how we can bridge that connection and what the people in this room can do to help. Through short provocations from national, training provider and institutional perspectives, followed by group discussion, we will explore the cultural, administrative and skills-based opportunities for accelerated NDRI adoption and identify the touchpoints where national tools are most likely to gain traction.
The session is designed to generate honest conversation, surface practical ideas, and connect people working on the same problem from different vantage points.
