Over the past several weeks and months, the New Digital Research Infrastructure Organization (NDRIO) team has been advancing our workplan consulting with the Board of Directors; federal funder Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED); digital research infrastructure (DRI) transition partners; Members; and the community. To all of you who have helped us – and who continue to help us – thank you.
As we have rolled up our sleeves to do the work, and as everyone has had to adapt to the effects of COVID-19, we have reviewed our critical dates leading up to the final transition in 2022. In some cases we have decided to adjust the schedule. We made these decisions consulting with our Board and ISED, in particular. For details, please see the list of all upcoming critical dates. We have highlighted where we have made changes, and the rationale for each change.
Of the four transition milestones in the areas of advanced research computing (ARC), research software (RS) and data management (DM) leadership, three have remained the same, and one has changed. Notably, ISED has extended the ARC Expansion Program by one year, to March 2022.
Also worthy of note, the Current State Assessment will now be complete by September 2020 to allow for greater community consultation. The Researcher Needs Assessment will now be complete by December 2020 to allow the incoming Researcher Council to help it take shape.
Despite the changes to some parts of the schedule, we continue to work at an assertive pace with a focus on delivering value to our Members, researchers and the national DRI community. Community consultation and engagement continue to be a priority as we undertake all of our work.
Annual Report 2019-20 Released
I am also pleased to share NDRIO’s 2019-20 Annual Report, which we submitted to ISED this week. This is a requirement of our Contribution Agreement. The Annual Report details a summary of accomplishments over our first fiscal year as we laid the foundation for the organization, including the recruitment of 136 Members and the election of our inaugural Board of Directors. The Annual Report further outlines our objectives for this current fiscal year, our updated timeline, audited financial statements, and statements of NDRIO’s investment policy and strategy.
The Report also begins to expand on NDRIO’s commitment to principles of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in all aspects of the operation. This is incredibly important not only to the Board, management and staff of NDRIO, but to the Government of Canada, Members, transition partners, researchers and our broader stakeholder community. We will share more as our EDI policies and practices take shape.
I encourage you to review both our Annual Report and our updated critical dates and let us know if you have questions or comments. Please write us at NDRIO-NOIRN@engagedri.ca.
Member Zoom Meetings July 28 & 29
We plan to host Zoom meetings with Primary and Associate Members July 28 and 29, to share more information about NDRIO’s progress and to give you a chance to ask questions. We will send call-in details in advance. We hope you can join us.
Tuesday, July 28: 1 pm to 2:30 pm EST (English)
Wednesday, July 29: 1 pm to 2:30 pm EST (French)
Have a wonderful summer. We will continue to be in touch.
Regards,
George Ross
Interim Executive Director
New Digital Research Infrastructure Organization (NDRIO)