The term e-Research (alternately spelled eResearch) refers to the use of information technology to support existing and new forms of research. This extends cyber-infrastructure practices established in STEM fields such as e-Science to cover other all research areas, including HASS fields such as digital humanities.[1]
Practices in e-Research typically aim to improve efficiency, interconnectedness and scalability across the full research data lifecycle: collection, storage, analysis, visualisation and sharing of data.[2]
E-Research therefore involves collaboration of researchers (often in a multi-disciplinary team), with data scientists and computer scientists, data stewards and digital librarians, and significant information and communication technology infrastructure.[3]
In addition to human resources, it often requires the physical infrastructure for data-intensive activities, often using high performance computing systems such as grid computing.
Examples of e-Research problems range across disciplines which include:
Specialist services, centres or programmes instituted to support Australian data and technology intensive research operate under the umbrella term: eResearch. In March 2012, representatives from these eResearch groups came together to discuss the need build a "collaborative program to strengthen eResearch and address issues facing the sector nationally".[4] The Australian eResearch Organisation (AeRO) emerged from this forum as "a collaborative organisation of national and state-based research organisations to advance eResearch implementation and innovation in Australia".[5] Professionals working in Australian eResearch annually convene a conference known as: eResearch Australasia.[6]