Establishment of the Australian Data Archive:An integrated research facility for the social sciences and humanities

The Australian Data Archive will provide a world-class facility for researchers in the humanities and social sciences. The facility will be a web-enabled one-stop service allowing researchers to: browse a diverse range of data holdings and formats; conduct sophisticated statistical analysis on-line; connect to audio and visual files; and download data to their desk-top for further analysis using preferred software. The facility will provide direct data support for a range of major research networks and projects which address the complex social, economic, environmental and cultural challenges facing Australia. Through its international affiliations, the facility will provide Australian researchers with internationally sourced data.