The transformation of digital infrastructure to enhance innovation, research translation, commercialisation and entrepreneurship forms the cornerstone of a new Strategic Collaboration Agreement (SCA) between the University of Melbourne and the world's most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud, Amazon Web Services (AWS).
Today, the University of Melbourne and AWS signed a Letter of Support outlining a framework for the Strategic Collaboration Agreement, which describes a shared vision of how the University and AWS could work together to deliver transformation across key areas of the University.
University of Melbourne Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Mark Cassidy said such collaboration will assist the University to deliver its strategic research and education ambitions.
"This collaboration could transform our crucial digital infrastructure and cloud technologies to improve the ways we work and study to enhance our student experience, research capability and entrepreneurial innovation," Professor Cassidy said.
"We are at an inflection point where transformative technologies, including AI, are both challenging us and providing opportunities for our systems and scholarly work.
"This collaboration will provide new opportunities to ensure we keep pace and continue to deliver meaningful impact in solving real world challenges."
The strategic collaboration framework may provide executive sponsorship, technical expertise via Solutions Architects, comprehensive training through AWS Training and Certification and participation in innovation programs including cloud migration support and sustainability reviews.
The collaboration may also include AWS promotional credits for eligible research and innovation initiatives, plus co-investment in the University's mission across education, research, and entrepreneurship.
University of Melbourne Vice-President (Administration and Finance) and Chief Operating Officer Katerina Kapobassis said the University needs to be at the forefront of the rapid change in technology and AI.
"The collaboration helps guide the University's state-of-the-art information technology to keep pace with the ambition and scale of our world-leading academics and entrepreneurs," Ms Kapobassis said.
Louise Stigwood, Managing Director of Public Sector ANZ at Amazon Web Services said: "AWS is pleased to partner with the University of Melbourne in this pivotal moment in technology.
"This collaboration goes beyond cloud migration, with the potential to equip one of Australia's leading research universities with the tools to accelerate discovery, enhance student experiences, and translate groundbreaking research into real-world impact.
"We're proud to support the University's ambitions which will help ensure Australia remains competitive in the global knowledge economy."
