The Australian Access Federation (AAF) has joined MortarCAPS as a Sector Partner, marking an important step in strengthening the secure and interoperable digital foundations that support higher education and research across Australia.
As the trusted provider of federated identity and access management for the education and research community, AAF enables students, researchers, and staff to connect safely and seamlessly to systems and services — anytime and anywhere. Its infrastructure underpins collaboration across universities, research institutions, and government, ensuring data and digital services remain both accessible and secure.
A Shared Vision for Interoperability and Security
The MortarCAPS Higher Learning Data Standard (MCDS) and AAF share a common goal: enabling trusted, connected ecosystems where data flows securely between systems, institutions, and sectors.
Through this partnership, AAF brings deep expertise in digital identity, authentication, and authorisation — critical elements in creating a safe, interoperable foundation for data exchange and collaboration. Together, MortarCAPS and AAF will work to:
- Strengthen interoperability and secure access across education and research systems
- Align national approaches to digital identity and data standards
- Support a trusted and scalable framework for cross-sector collaboration
Building a Secure, Connected Future
By combining MortarCAPS’ open, standardised approach to data with AAF’s robust identity frameworks, the partnership aims to simplify access, reduce duplication, and enhance confidence in digital interactions across the tertiary sector.
“Trust and interoperability sit at the heart of everything we’re building,” said Charlsey Pearce, CEO of MortarCAPS. “Partnering with AAF helps ensure that the foundations of identity and access remain as strong and secure as the data frameworks themselves.”
The collaboration reinforces a shared vision: a higher education and research ecosystem that is secure, interoperable, and designed to empower both institutions and learners.
Together, AAF and MortarCAPS are helping shape the infrastructure for a smarter, safer, and more connected digital future for Australian education.
Learn more about the partnership HERE