The Australian research landscape is a complex network of researchers, institutions, projects and partner engagements that operate beyond national boundaries, contributing to an interconnected global ecosystem. The quality and availability of research data is essential to measuring and mapping excellence, impact and depth. Innovations in research data can reduce the administrative burden on the research sector by minimising duplication in data collection while improving the reproducibility, provenance and attribution of research. The ARC’s Research Data Framework comprises a set of initiatives that aim to build data capabilities, improve research data practices, increase access to research outputs and datasets. The framework is informed by a commitment to FAIR Principles and Indigenous Data Sovereignty and will directly contribute to development of a research insights capability. Emergence of new technologies, practices, and initiatives, provide Australia with the opportunity to be at the forefront of developing innovative ways to map and assess research. Such capability will enable significant understandings of the value and contributions that Australian research makes both nationally and internationally. No. Action Value 1 Persistent Identifier Action Plan Persistent Identifiers (PIDs) enable information about the research sector to be connected for richer and more insightful analyses, including tracking outcomes and impact over time. The Universities Accord identified PIDs as critical to developing new ways to measure research impact. 2 FAIR Data Policy The FAIR principles are internationally accepted principles that enable Open Data. An ARC FAIR Data Policy would apply to NCGP funded projects but would also contribute to setting standards of practice in the Australian research sector. 3 Open Access Policy Open research outputs allow broader dissemination of research findings outside of academia and allow research to be more easily assessed without an additional burden on the sector or the ARC to pay for access to Australian research. The ARC’s Open Access Policy applies to NCGP funded projects and contributes to the publishing practices of all Australian institutions. 4 NCGP Evaluation Framework Developing and implementing a National Competitive Grants Program (NCGP) Evaluation Framework that aligns with the ARC Research Data Framework will help provide efficient and effective ways of measuring the performance of new NCGP grant schemes (subject to NCGP reforms) and identifying key impacts of the research the NCGP funds. 5 Research Repository Standards There are currently no standardised systems or practices across Australian institutional repositories, which makes finding, accessing, and using the data and stored content of these repositories difficult. A national research repository standard would significantly improve the findability and interoperability of research outputs and information stored in repositories. 6 Sector and Other Government Data A wide variety of data sources from both government and the sector is critical for improving the assessment of research excellence and impact. Possible data sources include ABS data, higher education and research data, IP Australia, and research citations in policy. 7 National Research Insights Capability Developing the ARC’s Research Insights Capability will deepen Australia’s capability to understand the research ecosystem, to highlight strengths, identify needs and future opportunities. Its development will demonstrate the value of investing in ARC’s Research Data capabilities and provide a lever to drive FAIR and open practices in the sector. 8 IT Solutions The ARC must develop or source robust IT Solutions to house and analyse large volumes of research data for research evaluation purposes. 9 AI Policy As the ARC develops the data capabilities required to deliver data driven research evaluation, it is essential that the ARC develop a robust AI Policy that allows for best use of emerging AI technologies and innovations, while also mitigating the privacy, integrity and legal risks. Project Considerations 1 Data Capability and Analytics The ARC must continue to develop and invest in its data capability to ensure that it has the right skills and infrastructure to develop new insights into the Australian research sector. 2 Responsible Research Assessment As the ARC develops how data will be used to assess research through NCGP and to inform the Research Insights Capability, Responsible Research Assessment must be considered. 3 Alignment with Government The ARC should consider how PID, Open Access, and Data policies can be aligned with other government agencies and initiatives. Aligned policies would increase the impact of policy settings and reduce the burden on the sector.