Komathy Padmanabhan1, Angeletta Leggio1, Kristol Pyke2
1Monash University, Australia
2Office of the National Data Commissioner (ONDC)
Biography:
1. Komathy Padmanabhan is the Director of Digital Research and Data Strategy at Monash University. In her role, she is responsible for establishing and delivering a comprehensive research data and eResearch strategy to enable the University to realise the full potential of its cutting-edge infrastructure and is responsible for expanding and improving capabilities which underpins the University’s research priorities. Komathy has led multiple national research and research infrastructure initiatives with specific focus on building and deploying sensitive data governance and management capabilities and machine learning environments.
2. Angeletta Leggio is a Senior Research Data Coordinator operationalising the ONDC DATA Accreditation Scheme at Monash University. She was previously the Associate Director and University Archivist at the University of Melbourne and a Partnerships Programs Manager for the Australian National Data Services (ANDS/ARDC), where she led funded programs delivering multi-disciplinary research data and infrastructure projects across Australia. She has a background in governance, strategy, research data, system implementation and integration, and cultural heritage preservation.
3. Kristol Pyke joined the Office of the National Data Commissioner (ONDC) as Director in June 2023. She has worked in senior data and digital roles across the Australian Public Service, including Services Australia and the Department of Education, Skills and Employment. Kristol holds a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology and Humanities).
Abstract:
Background:
Monash University is one of the first universities to be accredited by the Commonwealth Government as a Data User under the Data Availability and Transparency Act 2022, regulated by the ONDC. As a research-intensive institution, Monash has previously utilised government datasets extensively and was eager to explore the potential benefits of the DATA scheme. The DATA scheme’s safeguards complemented Monash’s Research Data Governance (RDG) review, aiming to embed RDG within Monash’s broader research governance.
Method:
1. Establishment of a Data Scheme Committee, from faculties and central functions, to assess costs and benefits of accreditation, develop an accreditation approach, and advise the Vice-Chancellor on key decisions, including the appointment of authorised officers, and refining the RDG structure.
2. Development of a gap analysis and uplift program for RDG with key improvements identified for stage I, before submission of application, and stage II as an ongoing program to uplift RDG activities.
3. Embedding of controls into research operations to ensure compliance with DATA and accreditation requirements.
Results: Monash was accredited in December 2023 and piloted various data requests through Dataplace, working closely with the ONDC to tailor processes and guidance for universities. Monash has begun to embed a number of responsibilities requiring the coordination of various stakeholders across Monash.
Conclusion: It is early days, but the accreditation process has highlighted the need to uplift RDG, particularly in the formalisation of RDG roles. These structures must align with broader research governance and service provision (IT, HR, Risk & Compliance) across Monash.