NICTA sets up lab in Victoria

The University of Melbourne will make a contribution worth up to AU$20 million over five years, including research talent and premises for the Node. NICTA also plans to invest over AU$25 million in that same period.

NICTA plans to have the Victorian Node fully operational by the end of 2006, with an ICT research facility of over 80 researchers and PhD students. The Victorian government said today that it would contribute AU$8 million to the research centre.

"The University of Melbourne has world-class ICT research talent, particularly in the areas of optical networking and sensor technologies. The addition of this exceptional research expertise further strengthens NICTA's research agenda and ability to deliver significant economic impact for Victoria and Australia," NICTA chairman Neville Roach said.

The Node's initial program will be closely linked to the Australian Research Council's Special Research Centre for Ultra Broadband Information Networks (CUBIN). Other programs will include research into sensor networks, networking technologies, information processing and network management, which goes along with one of NICTA's Priority Challenges: "From Data to Knowledge and Trusted Wireless Networks."

NICTA plans to build a landmark capability in optical networking verification. The planned Terabit Networking Laboratory (TNL) will serve as a showcase for NICTA technologies and a focus for industry interactions.

The new Node adds to NICTA's existing operations in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.