e-Research Platform Onboarding

Once you have received all necessary approvals for your application and returned your signed terms and conditions, PeopleWA Data Engineers will contact you and your team to arrange access to the PeopleWA e-Research Platform, ERICA. Data can only be accessed and analysed within this controlled, Windows-based online environment.

Onboarding documentation

During the onboarding process, we will provide you with guidance materials to assist with setting up your workspace, preparing for your analysis, and completing your project aims. You can also download these materials here.

What is ERICA and how do I access it?

ERICA (E-Research Institutional Cloud Architecture) is a secure, cloud-based platform hosted on Amazon Web Services (AWS). ERICA workspaces are provided for applicants to analyse data within a controlled environment. Workspaces can be opened for a minimum of one month.

Accessing ERICA is similar to using a remote desktop. After installing and configuring the Amazon WorkSpaces application, you can open the app to launch your assigned virtual desktop. Once connected, you can interact with the remote environment as if you were physically at the machine— you are able to open files, run applications, and perform tasks in real time.

Please refer to the below guidance on what to do inside versus outside the secure environment:

What does ERICA look like?

There are four components to the E-Research Platform.

1. ERICA Workspace – Your personal virtual desktop.
2. Shared Storage – A team folder for accessing PeopleWA data and sharing files with your project team.
3. iHub – A space accessed using the browser inside the ERICA WorkSpace for uploading aggregated data files for export review.
4. eHub – A site accessed by your local browser to upload files requested for import to ERICA and download approved exports.

Are there limitations to what I can do?

To keep data secure, your workspace will be configured with strict controls:

• Only approved websites are accessible.
• Copy/paste between ERICA and your computer is disabled.
• You do not have local admin permissions.
• All file transfers must be approved by PeopleWA through the iHub/eHub.

What software can I use in ERICA by default?

Your workspace includes a range of software by default:

Custom software

If you believe non-standard software is required for your work, please contact the PeopleWA team early in your planning process—ideally before you submit your application.

DPC provides a wide range of software by default, which meets the needs of most users. Before requesting custom software, please carefully consider whether it is essential for your work.

If custom software is necessary, you must provide:

• The installation file(s)
• A valid licence (if applicable)
• Evidence of compatibility testing (if possible)

While there is no charge for time spent conducting compatibility testing, installing, and configuring custom software, please note that this work will extend the time required to provision your workspace and data access. We do not offer any form of licences or guarantee availability of the installation file. You are responsible for coordinating the purchase and management of all licences for all custom software; all licences and installation files must be provided before you and your team can be onboarded.

A list of non-standard software that has been tested for compatibility within ERICA is outlined below:

Please note the licence types are listed above to indicate they have been tested and their compatibility within ERICA. If a software is not listed above, it has not been tested and you can request this. Note we are generally unable to utilise organisational-based licences – these often have conditions prohibiting software use outside of the relevant organisation.

Import requests

You cannot bring external assets – such as contextual data, code, or concordance files – into the secure environment without them being approved by the PeopleWA team. There is a 5GB limit per request. Please identify these assets (if known) when submitting your application.

How to import:

1. Upload your files to the eHub.
2. Complete the import self-assessment form from the ERICA onboarding application pack and email it to PeopleWA@dpc.wa.gov.au. You will receive this pack once your application is approved.
3. If approved, download your export from the iHub.

Data exports

You cannot download unit-record data from ERICA, but you can request to export aggregated results. Export requests must comply with the PeopleWA Terms and Conditions, including the requirement to suppress cell counts at the point of export equal to or less than five by default.

How to Export:

1. Upload your files to the iHub.
2. Complete the export self-assessment form from the ERICA onboarding application pack and email it to PeopleWA@dpc.wa.gov.au.
3. If approved, download your export from the eHub.

For non-standard requests, data custodians may be asked to provide input on your export prior to its release. If changes are needed, you will be asked to revise and resubmit the request.

Publications

As outlined in the PeopleWA Terms and Conditions, all publications must be reviewed by data custodians who approved the data used in the publication before you share them outside your project team.

How to Submit:

1. Send your draft publication self-assessment form from the ERICA onboarding application pack to PeopleWA@dpc.wa.gov.au.
2. PeopleWA and data custodians will review the submitted materials (this requires at least 10 business days).
3. You will be notified once your publication is cleared for release, or whether you are required to make changes.

PhD theses will take longer to review. We encourage students to plan ahead!