Summary of ACoRN

• Mobile and Wireless Data Communications
• Rural Communications
• Broadband and Optical Fixed Networks
• Fundamentals of Emerging Media

ACoRN will not directly fund research projects in these areas. The Network intends to support research networking activities within the research themes. Specific Network objectives include consolidation of existing linkages; facilitation of multidisciplinary research; formation of new links; stimulation of commercial activity; improved post-graduate education; and increased International prominence. These intentions are captured in the ACoRN mission statement and objectives:

ACoRN Mission Statement

Building on a strong platform of existing research excellence, the mission of the Australian Communications Research Network is to deliver benefits to the Australian telecommunications community, facilitating a healthy and sustainable collaborative research environment, and a culture of excellence that crosses disciplinary, organizational, institutional and geographical boundaries.

ACoRN Strategic Objectives

• Promote a culture of research excellence across the network;
• Initiate open exchange of information and sharing of resources;
• Develop and implement integrated research plans for researchers in areas of common interest;
• Inspire new inter-disciplinary research themes, focused on National Priority Areas;
• Nurture the careers of Young Investigators and students, promoting a sense of community, collaboration and a culture of effective mentoring;
• Encourage and support Young Investigators in positions of research leadership;
• Facilitate links with end users such as telecommunications industries, government, and the broader community.
• Raise the profile of Australian telecommunications research nationally and globally.

In support of the Mission and Objectives, the following four programs encapsulate the core activities of the Network:

• Researcher Mobility;
• National and International Workshops and Conferences;
• Postgraduate Education;
• Knowledge Management Systems.

Network Convenor	Executive Board	Advisory Board
Prof. Lars Rasmussen University of South Australia	A/Prof. Abbas Jamalipour University of Sydney	Prof. Sergio Verdu Princeton University, USA
	A/Prof. Tad Wysocki University of Wollongong	Prof. Sergio Benedetto Politecnico di Torino, Italy
	Prof. Rod Tucker University of Melbourne	Prof. Des Taylor Uni. of Canterbury, New Zealand
	Dr. Jamie Evans University of Melbourne	Dr. Chris Nicol Agere Systems Australia
	Prof. Rod Kennedy Australian National University	Prof. Robert C. Williamson National ICT Australia
	Dr. Steve Weller University of Newcastle
	Prof. Lang White University of Adelaide
	Prof. Alex Grant University of South Australia

Acknowledgement

The ARC Communications Research Network is funded by the Australian Research Council under the ARC Research Network Funding Program.