AAL Science Advisory Committee (ASAC)

ASAC members: click here to access AAL's secure ASAC intranet portal.
ASAC is tasked with providing AAL with strategic advice on the infrastructure requirements of the Australian astronomical community, to enable them to address the six key science questions for Australian astronomy, as described in the Australian astronomy decadal plan:
  1. How did the first stars and galaxies transform the Universe?
  2. What is the nature of dark matter and dark energy?
  3. How do galaxies form and evolve across cosmic time?
  4. How do stars and planets form?
  5. How are elements produced by stars and recycled through galaxies? 
  6. What is the nature of matter and gravity at extreme densities?
 
This advisory committee may be asked specific questions by the AAL Board but will also have a remit to provide overview advice on developments in astronomy and their relation to the Decadal Plan.

Terms of Reference
​ASAC is a committee of Astronomy Australia Ltd (AAL). The purpose of ASAC is to assist AAL by executing the following:
  • Consider the suite of Australia’s national telescopes and computing facilities (including the Australian share of international facilities) and assess whether they, both individually and in combination, cater for the needs of the Australian community in addressing the key science questions of the Australian Astronomy Decadal Plan 2016 - 2025;
  • Advise on how to leverage Australian capabilities to maximise participation and collaboration in, and benefits from, astronomy infrastructure projects of national significance;
  • Keep the Board appraised of global developments in major telescope facilities, astrophysical experiments and computing infrastructure, and provide it with strategic advice accordingly;
  • Advise the Board on the strategic alignment of new project proposals with the Decadal Plan, and on their prospective scientific return on investment.
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Composition​
  • ASAC will be composed of astronomers from a broad range of scientific and technical fields.
  • Members of ASAC are appointed by the AAL Board for a two-year fixed term, with the possibility of renewal.Committee members will be appointed by AAL via an application process. AAL will appoint a Chair and Deputy Chair to the committee.
  • The committee will comprise ten members, with diversity across the full breadth of Australian astronomy including (but not limited to): observing techniques and wavelength regimes, observation, theory and eResearch.
  • An AAL Board member will sit on ASAC in an ex-officio (non-voting) capacity.
  • The AAL Board may choose to include additional ex-officio (non-voting) positions, for multi-directional strategy and information sharing purposes.
  • The committee will be limited to a maximum of 12 members (including ex-officio members) 
  • AAL aims for institutional, geographical, career stage and gender diversity across its advisory committees. 
  • Meeting frequency: At least twice per year (one face to face and the remaining via video conference), to be reviewed after one year.

​Members
  • Julia Bryant, University of Sydney
  • Richard de Grijs, Macquarie
  • Christoph Federrath, ANU
  • Deanne Fisher, Swinburne
  • Clancy James, Curtin
  • John Lattanzio, Monash (Chair)
  • Sarah Martell, UNSW
  • Orsola De Marco, Macquarie (AAL Board Representative)
  • Chris Power, UWA
  • Ashley Ruiter, ADFA
  • Elaine Sadler, University of Sydney
  • Eric Thrane, Monash