Digital platform research tools and data survey
Researching digital platforms isn't easy. It requires navigating a maze of data, formats, analytical tools, ethics, and countless other things. This survey is a chance to share your research needs and challenges. Your responses will help us develop a better research infrastructure, data collection tools, visualisations, and training programs - everything that is built by us at the Australian Internet Observatory.
We invite responses from individuals and organisations across academia, government, civil society, and industry. Whether you are actively researching digital platforms or want to do it in the near future, we would love to learn more about your experience and perspective!
All personal information will remain confidential, and any published findings will be anonymised. Providing your contact details will allow us to follow up with you and talk a bit more about digital research and what we can offer. The survey has four sections and will take about 5-8 minutes to complete. Thank you for your valuable contribution, and please also share the survey link with your networks!
PARTICIPANT INFORMATION STATEMENT:
Project title: Digital platform research tools and data use-case survey & interviews 2025 (28594)
Principal Investigator: Professor Julian Thomas, RMIT University
Invitation to Participate:
You are invited to participate in a research project conducted by the Australian Internet Observatory (AIO). This project aims to identify the infrastructure needs and priorities of professionals working across education, government, community, and commercial sectors in Australia. Your input will help shape the design of national research infrastructure to support evidence-based decision-making and innovation.
Purpose of the Research
AIO is an initiative under the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS). The goal of this study is to better understand the requirements of stakeholders who would benefit from improved access to research platforms, tools, and data services—ensuring that future infrastructure is relevant, effective, and inclusive.
What Will You Be Asked to Do?
If you choose to participate, you will be asked to complete a short online survey, which will take approximately 10–15 minutes. The survey will ask questions about your professional activities, infrastructure needs, and research-related challenges.
You may skip any question you do not wish to answer.
You may exit the survey at any time prior to submission by closing your browser window.
Once submitted, your responses will be anonymised and cannot be withdrawn.
Who Should Participate?
We are seeking responses from individuals who:
✔ Are involved in research or data-informed work within Australian education, government, civil society, or commercial sectors
✔ Use, or would benefit from, digital platforms, data, or research infrastructure
✔ Have sufficient English proficiency to complete the survey
Confidentiality and Data Protection
The survey may ask for your name, email address, and organisation, but providing this information is optional.
Any identifying information will be stored separately from your survey responses and will be used only for follow-up purposes (e.g., to invite you to a related interview, if you consent).
All data used in research outputs will be de-identified. No identifying information will be published or shared.
If you do provide contact details, your information will be retained for five years after project completion and then securely destroyed.
How Will Data Be Stored?
Data will be stored on RMIT University’s secure, password-protected servers and managed according to the project’s Research Data Management Plan.
Anonymised survey data may be archived for future research via an approved repository (e.g., the Australian Data Archive).
Interview data, if applicable, will be subject to separate consent procedures and will not be archived for reuse.
Are There Any Risks?
The risks involved in this research are minimal. The only inconvenience may be the short time required to complete the survey. No sensitive or private topics will be explored.
What Are the Benefits?
Your participation will directly contribute to shaping future national research infrastructure, ensuring it meets the real needs of Australia’s research and innovation communities. The results of this study may also support policy development and improved data access for researchers and practitioners.
Voluntary Participation and Withdrawal
Participation is entirely voluntary.
You may withdraw at any time before submitting the survey by closing your browser.
After submission, it will not be possible to withdraw your data, as it will have been anonymised.
Contacts for Further Information
If you have any questions about this research project, please contact: Dr Jigya Khabar – jigya.khabar@rmit.edu.au
For concerns about the ethical conduct of this research, you may contact the: RMIT Human Research Ethics Committee – humanethics@rmit.edu.au
Consent to Participate
By continuing with the survey, you indicate that:
You have read and understood the information above;
You voluntarily agree to participate in this research study.
Thank you for your valuable contribution.
Your participation is appreciated and will help inform the development of nationally significant research infrastructure.