The Translational Research Institute (TRI) is at the forefront of medical research, supporting diverse research projects that produce crucial data to further our understanding of complex diseases. The institute plays a key role in studies spanning cancer biology, immunology, neurological and bone diseases, metabolic disorders, and more. By facilitating collaboration among global experts, TRI ensures data-driven insights directly impact healthcare outcomes.

Improving data accessibility

One of TRI’s primary challenges was ensuring equitable data access for both internal and external researchers. While those within the facility could easily access network drives, transferring large datasets to external facilities or commercial partners posed significant logistical hurdles.

TRI’s microscopy facility generates massive datasets, with each project producing tens to hundreds of gigabytes and the facility managing several terabytes of data weekly.

Mark Scott, Microscopy Facility Manager at TRI, explained that previously, researchers had to manually deliver data on external drives, a process that was both cumbersome and insecure. After trialing various remote transfer tools that proved to be either too complicated or unable to handle their specific data needs, Scott’s team worked with AARNet to test FileSender.

“FileSender functions like an email, but for sending large files,” he explained. “It is extremely user friendly, and the upload speeds are impressively fast. It’s been a game-changer for us.”

Maximising connectivity for data transfers

Thanks to TRI’s connection to AARNet’s high-speed network, integrating FileSender was seamless. The web-based application is not only an intuitive and reliable data movement tool, but also ensures the security of research data through robust encryption protocols and access controls.

“FileSender is accessible using our existing TRI credentials, making logging in straightforward for our staff and researchers,” Scott added. “It has greatly improved how we share data with our collaborators.”

FileSender now handles the transfer of data from TRI’s microscopy facility to research institutes and commercial partners for analysis or archiving. These datasets support a range of research, from routine pathology to cutting-edge machine learning and AI-driven innovations.

Driving future collaboration

TRI plans to expand FileSender’s use across other core facilities, anticipating significant benefits in fast, secure data sharing with external partners.

TRI’s use of FileSender to improve data movement workflow highlights the importance of reliable digital research infrastructure in advancing scientific research through seamless collaboration.

Photo: ZEISS LSM 980 confocal microscope in TRI's microscopy lab. Credit: Translational Research Institute.