How does AAL decide which projects to fund? 

AAL supports a variety of projects/facilities via NCRIS funding, and must assess possible future investments based on a clear set of criteria (see below).

AAL is proactive in looking for opportunities that fit in with the criteria and goals set out by the ​Decadal plan for Australian astronomy (2016-2025). AAL also welcomes submissions or project funding proposals from members of the Australian astronomy community that comply with the criteria listed below. Astronomers are able to draw AAL's attention to possible new funding opportunities via the following three options:
  • Through their local AAL member representative (see here for a full list)
  • Through an AAL committee member (see here for a full list of AAL's committees)
  • Through an AAL Staff member (see here for contact details)
NCRIS Eligibility criteria
​​In addition to the NCRIS criteria specified by the Department of Education, Skills and Employment, AAL considers the following when deciding the allocation of NCRIS funding:

Does the investment opportunity address a research infrastructure recommendation of the Decadal Plan? 
  • No – AAL will not engage with the project. 
  • Yes (priority recommendation) – AAL will proactively seek significant funding to support the project, with due consideration of any other major funding allocations managed by other organisations. 
  • Yes (tier 2 recommendation) – AAL will consider supporting the project based on the following assessment criteria: 
  1. The number of institutions supported by the infrastructure. 
  2. The number of (named) active users. 
  3. The unique benefit(s) from AAL involvement. 
  4. The risks associated with the facility. 
  5. Access arrangements for the wider community. 
  6. The Australian outputs – publications, industry collaborations and contracts and other impacts of the facility, expected due to AAL support. 
  7. The strategic importance to Australian astronomy.
  8. Identification of a pathway (for new projects), or progress along a pathway (for existing projects), to a strategic international partnership involving wide representation across the Australian astronomy community.
  9. Identification of a pathway (for new projects) or progress along a pathway (for existing projects) to future sustainable funding that moves beyond small “seed funding” awards from AAL.
  10. The level of university-level cash matching is to be included in the plan for projects at a scale where university-level funding is appropriate.
  11. Demonstration that the level of funding requested, and the identified role for AAL, aligns with AAL’s vision and mission.
​The AAL Board has determined that AAL should report annually on the fraction of its funding awarded to mid-level or tier two projects, as per the Decadal Plan goal to aim to direct 10% of funding to facilities at this level.