The Australia-Brazil Virtual Research Collaboration is a networking strategy that builds on existing and growing relations and common projects between these two countries. It aims to foster and expand joint research on global challenges to increase the pace of knowledge production and its impact, taking advantage of common and complementary interests, expertise and infrastructure. It is run by the Brazilian National Council for State Funding Agencies (CONFAP) and the Australian Department of Education (DE) with the support of other institutions, such as the Australian Academy of Sciences (AAS), the Brazilian Academy of Sciences (ABC) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).

The Virtual Research Collaboration events were established following the 2020 Memorandum of Understanding between CONFAP and the DE, which seeks to strengthen Australia and Brazil’s history of research collaboration, including through facilitating the streamlining of joint research funding applications.

The first 2023 edition will be on Citizen Data, reflecting the current global challenges and opportunities regarding the collection, regulation, storage and use of citizen data.

The research streams to be featured are:

• Regulation of data collection and use and its implications for research and public policy
• Operations of storage systems and infrastructure, including energy requirements
• Data protection and resilience against threats

Moreover, this edition is co-organized by the Australian Academy of Science (AAS) and the Brazilian Academy of Science (ABC).

Themes for 2023 Edition on Citizen Data

The digital economy has brought with it immense benefits including new, faster and better products and services. The ability of governments and businesses to engage with citizens online is vital to good governance, smart cities, and economic growth and prosperity. However, the collection, storage and use of this data requires consideration to mitigate risks and ensure citizen data is appropriately protected.

The Australia-Brazil Virtual Research Collaboration will have three separate breakout rooms covering the following research streams:

1. Regulation of data collection and use: data collection is regulated in Australia primarily through the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and in Brazil through the Lei Geral de Proteção de Dados (promulgated in 2018 and amended in 2019 by law nº 13.853). Both legislative frameworks focus on the collection, use, storage, and disclosure of personal information. This stream aims at discussions regarding similarities, differences and the effects of the laws, and learning about their application, especially regarding scientific research and public policy. This stream can lead to the development of joint research that can improve the legislation frameworks of both countries.

2. Operations of storage systems and infrastructure, including required energy for use and maintenance: this stream focuses on the energy use required to maintain the necessary structure to run a data centre. With data centres that can require more than 100 megawatts to run, there is an increasing desire to turn to green data centres to decrease the environmental impact of storing citizen data. The participants of this stream will be invited to discuss forms of data centres to save energy, in addition to green data centres, present Australian and Brazilian initiatives to reduce the environmental impact of energy use, or other topics which can be jointly researched and implemented in both countries.

3. Data protection and resilience against threats: with the internet and use of citizen data becoming increasingly vital for our daily routine and work, a focus on improved integrity and security is critical. Government, business and citizens are targets of hackers who use the information for profit, crime or even fake news. This stream will look at appropriate responses to threats and recovery of lost or compromised data. Participants will be invited to discuss the current response to these threats, the countries’ actions to prevent them, the effects of data protection on society, the use of data protection by the citizens, and other research topics that can be beneficial for Australian and Brazilian society.

• EVENT FORMAT 

The event will be held across two ninety-minute sessions running on consecutive days.

Session 1 will be held at 7:00pm on 18 July 2023 (Brasilia Time Zone) /8:00am on 19 July 2023 (Australian Eastern Standard Time). There will be keynote speakers from both countries, followed by a panel session for participants to engage on the topics discussed.

Session 2 will be held at 7:00pm on 19 July 2023 (Brasilia Time Zone) / 8:00am on 20 July 2023 (Australian Eastern Standard Time). The second session will see participants moving into breakout rooms on the three research streams to share information about their current research and hear from other participants.

Ten senior researchers from each country will be selected to participate in the event. Each senior researcher may nominate up to two early to mid-career researchers to also attend.

• DRAFT AGENDA 

• CONTACTS

For Australians: education.brasilia@dfat.gov.au

For Brazilians: projetosconfap.dese@gmail.com

• Access the slides of Australia-Brazil Virtual Research Collaboration, click here.

• Access the Booklet of event, click here.