Open Science at the ABS
Expanding access to integrated data, building researcher capability, and advancing open science collaboration across Australia.
The Open Science at the ABS program will expand equitable access to integrated data research infrastructure, build researcher capability, develop enduring open science resources and improve the researcher experience when working with integrated data.
Open Science at the Australian Bureau of Statistics is a co-investment partnership with the Australian Research Data Commons (ARDC) through the People Research Data Commons (DOI: 10.3565/m2wm-zk77). The ARDC is enabled by the Australian Government’s National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS).
About the program
The Open Science at the ABS Program aims to strengthen Australia's integrated data research ecosystem by increasing researcher capability, expanding collaboration and creating enduring open science resources.
Through the program, researchers will develop the skills and confidence to use integrated data safely and effectively, while contributing reusable code, analytical workflows, methodological guidance and training materials that benefit future research.
The establishment of a National Integrated Data Research Community of Practice will foster greater knowledge sharing, cross-institutional collaboration and professional networking across the sector.
The program will also improve the accessibility, efficiency and sustainability of integrated data research through enhanced onboarding, support services, digital platforms and research impact tracking, delivering lasting benefits for researchers and the broader research community.
Over the life of the program, it will:
- Provide DataLab access to around 50 research projects and 270 researchers, including Early Career Researchers (ECRs) and Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students.
- Deliver a national capability development program and establish a National Integrated Data Research Community of Practice.
- Develop reusable code, analytical workflows, methodological resources and training materials.
- Enhance systems, tools and support services to improve access to and use of integrated data.
- Increase visibility and recognition of research outputs through identifiers such as ORCID, DOI and RAiD.
- Foster greater collaboration, knowledge sharing and open science across Australia's integrated data research community.
Applications are now open! Closing 31 October 2026
Researchers interested in receiving ABS DataLab access under the Open Science at the ABS Program are encouraged to download the Information Sheet below for further details on eligibility, program requirements and expected project contributions.
To apply, please request an application form.
