Australian neuroinformatics research - Grid computing and e-research

Abstract

The Australian National Neuroscience Facility (NNF) has been established to provide Australian neuroscientists with access to networks of laboratories offering neuroscience consultancy, technical expertise and state-of-the-art equipment. The facility is fostering neuroscience excellence, combining science, technology, innovation, investment, creativity and the opportunity to advance our understanding and treatment of the brain and mind. Within the NNF a Neuroscience Informatics platform has been established with the objective of enhancing both the national neuroscience research capability, as well as the commercialisation opportunities for the Australian health and biotechnology industries. The Platform has developed a NeuroGrid facility consisting of computational resources and Grid middleware, internet accessible neuroimage databases, and standardised neuroimage analysis tools. A customised NeuroGrid portal is currently under development. It is envisaged that the NeuroGrid facility and software tools will provide the basis for application of Grid computing technologies to other areas of neuroscience research. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2005.