Australian Access Federation Annual Report 2025

For the AAF, 2025 was a significant year in our 16-year journey delivering trusted identity services for researchers, educators, students, government and industry. An independent economic analysis found that, against a cost base of $6.8 million, AAF delivered approximately $51 million in net benefits to the higher education and research sector—supporting institutions through cost savings, improving access for students, and reducing duplication for researchers and educators.

These results reflect AAF’s ongoing commitment to delivering value for our members, the Australian Government, and the broader community, alongside our focus on innovation, excellence and operational strength.

In 2025, we progressed the modernisation of Australia’s trust and identity ecosystem and strengthened engagement nationally and internationally. As the NCRIS Trust and Identity capability, we advanced a connected research environment, presented the Trust and Identity Roadmap at the eResearch Australasia Conference, and continued our Incubator program to support secure, future-ready infrastructure.

We also convened the Advancing Trust and Identity Roundtable, bringing sector leaders together to shape a shared national vision for secure, user-centred services in an increasingly connected global landscape.

To improve access to services, we launched a new Service Catalogue, providing a central gateway to federated resources including CSIRO, TERN, the Atlas of Living Australia, and many more key research data platforms.

AAF maintained strong sector engagement through national and international forums, at events such as International Data Week 2025, and contributed to global discussions on digital identity standards.

Through leadership of the Australian ORCID Consortium, we supported the adoption of persistent identifiers, now required in national research funding processes for ARC and NHMRC. We also contributed to major government consultations, helping ensure future investment aligns with national trust and identity needs.

Looking ahead, AAF remains focused on building a future-ready ecosystem, investing in innovation and strengthening collaboration across digital and cyber initiatives.

We thank our members, partners and community for their support, and recognise our team’s dedication. As demand for secure, seamless access grows, AAF will continue advancing trust, identity and access to support Australia’s research and education sectors.