Dr Masoud Rahimi1, Dr Aiden Price2,1, Ms Pauline Fetaui3,4, Dr Paul Dalby5
1Australian Urban Research Infrastructure Network (AURIN), Australia, 2Centre for Data Science, Queensland University of Technology, Australia, 3ACS Innovation Labs, Australia, 4River City Labs, Australia, 5Rozetta Institute, Australia
Biography:
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. His work demonstrates how integrated digital infrastructure and data stewardship can accelerate evidence-based innovation.
Abstract:
Australia’s low Economic Complexity Index highlights a persistent national challenge: limited engagement in high-value, high-tech industries. Despite a globally competitive research sector, Australia struggles to convert knowledge into commercial and societal outcomes. Too many innovations stall at mid-stage Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs 4–6), hindered by misaligned incentives, restrictive intellectual property settings, underfunded translation pathways, and weak integration between research, industry, and government. This disconnect between discovery and deployment undermines Australia's ability to remain competitive in an increasingly knowledge-driven global economy.
eResearch, encompassing advanced digital infrastructure, data-intensive methodologies, in-silico experimentation, and AI, has the potential to reshape this landscape. With strategic investment and targeted coordination, eResearch can drive faster discovery, reduce time to translation, and enable innovation at scale. Yet, current capabilities in Australia remain fragmented and underpowered. Challenges include inconsistent access, lack of scalability, and limited focus on supporting end-to-end translation and commercialisation.
This Birds of a Feather session brings together voices from academia and industry to explore how technical and data professionals and digital infrastructure providers can help bridge the divide between research outputs and real-world impact. Rather than focusing on formal frameworks, we will explore practical, forward-facing questions: What enablers are essential for a research ecosystem that delivers real-world impact? What roles do data and digital professionals play in translation and innovation? What infrastructure, systems and partnerships are needed to support this system? What cultural or structural changes could foster deeper collaboration?
Participants will engage with real-world case studies, a 40-minute collaborative discussion, and a 20-minute co-design activity.