National Committee for Physics
The physics committee covers all disciplines within physics, including applied physics, theoretical physics, experimental physics, and interdisciplinary fields. The committee plays a central role in promoting the global relevance of physics, both within Australia and internationally.
The National Committee for Physics aims to:
- provide strategic evidence-based advice on physics to the Academy and other bodies as required
- support scientific literacy and excellence in physics by engaging with researchers, professionals and relevant national organisations
- liaise with relevant international bodies, ensuring Australian involvement in international activities
- promote interdisciplinary collaboration and take a multi-disciplinary approach in providing advice to the Academy
Reports and activities
- Submission – 2021 National Research Infrastructure Roadmap Exposure Draft, December 2021
- Submission—University Research Commercialisation Scheme, April 2021
- Submission–2030 Strategic Plan for Science , June 2017
- Physics decadal plan 2012-2021: building on excellence in physics, published December 2012
Related groups and organisations
Members
Chair
- Professor Jennifer MacLeod, 2025–2028
Deputy Chair
- To be filled
Ordinary Members
- Associate Professor Krzysztof Bolejko, 2026–2028
- Dr Ngoc My Hanh Duong, 2026–2028
- Professor Yuerui Lu, 2026–2028
- Professor Dane McCamey, 2026–2028
- Dr Mahboobeh Shahbazi, 2026–2028
- Professor Geoffrey Taylor FAA, 2026–2028
- Professor Muhammad Usman FAIP, 2026–2028
Observers
- None
Ex-officio Members
- Dr Stuart Midgley, ex-officio representing Australian Institute of Physics, 2020–2026
National Committee for Nutrition
The committee reflects the diverse nature of nutrition science, covering basic and applied sciences, including nutrition mechanisms and animal nutrition, precision and population nutrition for dietary behaviour change, Epidemiology, disease prevention, and social/commercial determinants of nutrition, and Nutrition education and research training.
Please visit the Nourishing Australia resource page for the committee's ongoing activities.
The National Committee for Nutrition aims to:
- provide strategic evidence-based advice on nutrition science to the Academy and other bodies as required
- support scientific literacy and excellence in nutrition science by engaging with researchers, professionals and relevant national organisations
- liaise with relevant international bodies, ensuring Australian involvement in international activities
- promote interdisciplinary collaboration and take a multi-disciplinary approach in providing advice to the Academy
- support the implementation of Nourishing Australia: A decadal plan for the science of nutrition
Reports and activities
- Nourishing Australia: A decadal plan for the science of nutrition—Mid-term review
December 2024 - Advancing the decadal plan for the science of nutrition: Progressing a framework for implementation
April 2024 - scienceXart: food for thought – an art competition for primary school students
August 2021 - Submission – Department of Health’s Public Consultation on Food Regulation Policy Guidelines
January 2020 - Nourishing Australia: A decadal plan for the science of nutrition
July 2019
Related groups and organisations
- International Union of Nutritional Sciences (IUNS)
- Dietitians Australia
- Nutrition Society of Australia
- Federation of Oceanic Nutrition Societies
- Oceania Nutrition Leadership Program
- Council of Deans of Nutrition and Dietetics
- Public Health Association
Members
Chair
- Professor Margaret Allman-Farinelli, 2022–2027
Deputy Chair
- To be filled
Ordinary Members
- Dr Emma Louise Beckett, 2022–2026
- Dr Catherine Bondonno, 2020–2026
- Professor Danielle Gallegos, 2024–2026
- Dr Liang-Dar (Daniel) Hwang, 2022–2026
- Katherine Kent, 2022–2026
- Dr Katherine Livingstone, 2020–2026
- Professor Sarah McNaughton, 2022–2026
- Dr Anneline Padayachee, 2022–2026
- Professor Eugeni Roura, 2022–2026
Observers
- Lisa Vincze, Observer for EMCR Forum Executive, 2025–2026
Ex-officio Members
- Professor Timothy Gill, ex-officio representing Nutrition Society of Australia, 2026–
- Dr Therese O'Sullivan, ex-officio representing Council of Deans of Nutrition and Dietetics Australia and New Zealand, 2023–
- Magriet Raxworthy, ex-officio representing Dietitians Australia, 2024–
National Committee for Mathematical Sciences
The committee covers all research areas and methods of mathematical sciences, including applied mathematics, mathematical physics, numerical and computational mathematics, pure mathematics, and statistical science. It plays a key role in promoting the vitality and growth of mathematical sciences in Australia and internationally.
The National Committee for Mathematical Sciences aims to:
- provide strategic evidence-based advice on mathematical sciences to the Academy and other bodies as required
- support scientific literacy and excellence in mathematical sciences by engaging with researchers, professionals and relevant national organisations
- liaise with relevant international bodies, ensuring Australian involvement in international activities
- promote interdisciplinary collaboration and take a multi-disciplinary approach in providing advice to the Academy
Statement on Mathematics Education
In February 2022 the Academy published a statement regarding proposed revisions to the Australian Curriculum for Mathematics.
Download the statement here (PDF, 136KB)
Reports and activities
- Decadal plan for the mathematical sciences, published March 2016
- The mathematical sciences in Australia: mid-term review, published 2022
Related groups and organisations
- International Mathematical Union (IMU)
- International Commission on Mathematical Instruction (ICMI)
- Australian Mathematical Society
- Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute
- Statistical Society of Australia
- Australian Association of Mathematics Teachers
- Australia and New Zealand Industrial and Applied Mathematics
- Mathematics Education Research Group of Australasia
- Australian Mathematics Trust
- MATRIX
- Australian and New Zealand Association of Mathematical Physics (ANZAMP)
- Women in Mathematics Special Interest Group
Members
Chair
- Professor Adrian Baddeley FAA, 2023–2026
Deputy Chair
- To be filled
Ordinary Members
- Dr Allan Dougan, 2023–2026
- Dr Oliver Eales, 2026–2028
- Professor Anthony Guttmann FAA, 2026–2028
- Professor Jan de Gier, 2024–2027
- Professor Katie Makar, 2023–2026
- Professor Tim Marchant, 2025–2029
- Dr Kerri Morgan, 2025–2027
Observers
- None
Ex-officio Members
- Associate Professor Lynne Giles, ex-officio representing Statistical Society of Australia, 2026–
- Professor Aidan Sims FAA, ex-officio representing Australian Mathematical Society, 2025–
National Committee for Materials Science and Engineering
The committee covers materials science research, including functional, structural, electronic, nanostructured, biomaterials, soft materials, composites, and porous materials and synthesis, growth, processing, fabrication, characterisation, and analysis of materials and theoretical and computational materials science, materials chemistry, materials physics, and engineering applications.
The National Committee for Materials Science and Engineering aims to:
- provide strategic evidence-based advice on materials science and engineering to the Academy and other bodies as required
- support scientific literacy and excellence in materials science and engineering by engaging with researchers, professionals and relevant national organisations
- liaise with relevant international bodies, ensuring Australian involvement in international activities
- promote interdisciplinary collaboration and take a multi-disciplinary approach in providing advice to the Academy
Related groups and organisations
The NCMSE supports the following Australian organisations and societies.
Reports and activities
- Submission – ARC Survey on Increasing women’s participation in Australian Research Council grant processes, January 2020
- Submission—Draft National Research Infrastructure Roadmap, January 2017
Members
Chair
- Professor Lan Fu, 2025–2029
Deputy Chair
- To be filled
Ordinary Members
- Dr Vipul Agarwal, 2026–2028
- Dr Shankar Dutt, 2026-2028
- Dr Matthew Hales, 2023–2026
- Professor Yun Liu, 2026–2028
- Professor Tianyi Ma, 2026–2028
- Dr Jian-Feng Nie, 2026–2028
- Professor Amirali Popat, 2026–2028
- Dr Nisa Valiyaveettil Salim, 2023–2026
- Professor Hang Ta, 2026–2028
- Professor Ajayan Vinu, 2026–2028
Observers
- Dr Li Gao, Observer for EMCR Forum Executive, 2025–2026
Ex-officio Members
- Professor Michael Moody, ex-officio representing ANSTO, 2026-
National Committee for Information and Communication Sciences
The committee covers information, communication and radio sciences, including AI, machine learning, data science, telecommunications, electronics, sensors, photonics, cyber security, robotics and software engineering, and electromagnetic wave research and applications. Other relevant areas include numerical solution of differential and integral equations, and electrostatics and electrodynamics.
The National Committee for Information and Communication Sciences aims to:
- provide strategic evidence-based advice on information and communication sciences to the Academy and other bodies as required
- support scientific literacy and excellence in information and communication sciences by engaging with researchers, professionals and relevant national organisations
- liaise with relevant international bodies, ensuring Australian involvement in international activities
- promote interdisciplinary collaboration and take a multi-disciplinary approach in providing advice to the Academy
A strategic plan for Information and Communication Science, Engineering and Technology in Australia was published in partnership with the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering in September 2019.
Reports and activities
- Position Statement—Science and Australia’s Positive Future March, 2022
- Submission - Positioning Australia as a leader in digital economy regulation - Automated Decision Making and AI Regulation May, 2022
- Preparing for Australia's digital future: A strategic plan for information and communication science, engineering and technology September, 2021
- Australia’s Digital Future—a nation of users or leaders? September, 2021
- Submission - 2021 National Research Infrastructure Roadmap Exposure Draft December, 2021
- Submission – German Advisory Council on Global Change and Sustainable Development Solutions Network online charter ‘Our Common Digital Future’ January, 2020
- Submission—Protecting Critical Infrastructure and Systems of National Significance September, 2020
Go to the ‘Preparing for Australia’s digital future’ resource page
Related groups and organisations
Members
Chair
- Emeritus Professor Deborah Bunker, 2020–2027
Deputy Chair
- To be filled
Ordinary Members
- Associate Professor Michael Bewong, 2025–2027
- Professor Eun-Jung Holden, 2025–2027
- Professor Rachel Cardell Oliver, 2023–2026
- Professor Aaron Quigley, 2023–2026
- Professor Flora Salim, 2025–2027
- Professor Paul Smith, 2025–2027
- Professor Branka Vucetic FAA, 2023–2026
- Dr Withawat Withayachumnankul, 2026–2028
Observers
- None
Ex-officio Members
- None
National Committee for History and Philosophy of Science
The committee covers the history and philosophy of science (HPS), science communication, and science and technology studies (STS) broadly construed.
The National Committee for History and Philosophy of Science aims to:
- provide strategic evidence-based advice on history and philosophy of science (HPS), science and technology studies (STS) and science communication to the Academy and other bodies as required
- support scientific literacy and excellence in HPS, STS and science communication by engaging with researchers, professionals and relevant national organisations
- liaise with relevant international bodies, ensuring Australian involvement in international activities
- promote interdisciplinary collaboration and take a multi-disciplinary approach in providing advice to the Academy
- strengthen connections between the HPS/STS community and the STEM community
Reports and activities
- Submission - State of the Social Sciences 2021 April, 2021
- Submission—Targeted consultation on the draft principles for accessing and using publicly funded data for health research February, 2015
Related groups and organisations
- International Union of History and Philosophy of Science
The IUHPST is the International Union of History and Philosophy of Science and Technology. It is a member union of ICSU, the International Council for Science. It consists of two Divisions: the Division of History of Science and Technology (DHST) and the Division of Logic, Methodology and Philosophy of Science and Technology (DLMPST). The National Committee for History and Philosophy of Science advises the Academy on matters relating to IUPHST. - Australasian Association for the History, Philosophy and Social Studies of Science
Newsletter of the National Committee for History and Philosophy of Science
The Newsletter of the National Committee for History and Philosophy of Science (NCHPS) highlights news, opportunities and events relevant to the diverse fields of interest that occupy the discipline of history and philosophy of science. Subscribe to the newsletter and read previous editions.
Members
Chair
- Dr Martin Bush, 2026–2029
Deputy Chair
- To be filled
Ordinary Members
- Dr James Bradley, 2026–2028
- Professor Fiona Fidler, 2023–2026
- Dr Kate Lynch, 2023–2026
- Associate Professor Ruth Morgan, 2026–2028
- Dr Thao Phan, 2023–2026
- Dr Dan Santos, 2026–2028
- Professor Hallam Stevens, 2023–2026
- Dr Jessica Urwin, 2026–2028
Observers
- Dr Rachael Brown, Observer (past chair), 2026–2026
Ex-officio Members
- None
National Committee for Geographical Sciences
The committee focuses on the science of place, space, and the environment. Specialisations include geomorphology, climatology, hydrology, biogeography, and economic, social, urban, and population geography.
The National Committee for Geographical Sciences aims to:
- provide strategic evidence-based advice on geographical sciences to the Academy and other bodies as required
- support scientific literacy and excellence in geographical sciences by engaging with researchers, professionals and relevant national organisations
- liaise with relevant international bodies, ensuring Australian involvement in international activities
- promote interdisciplinary collaboration and take a multi-disciplinary approach in providing advice to the Academy
Geography: Shaping Australia’s Future
Geography: Shaping Australia’s Future was published by the National Committee for Geographical Sciences in 2018 and presents a detailed report on geography as a discipline in Australia. It provides a unified vision for Australian geography over the next decade. The plan provides a framework for engaging research, teaching and industry that aligns strategically with contemporary social, economic and environmental challenges of our region.
Learn more about Geography: Shaping Australia’s Future.
Reports and activities
- Submission—Consultation on the National Environmental Science Program, July 2019
- Submission - Inquiry into the management and use of Commonwealth environmental water, April 2018
- Submission to the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Inquiry into the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, March 2018 (Cameron Allen, Graciela Metternicht, Thomas Wiedmann) (PDF, 280KB)
Related groups and organisations
- International Geographical Union (IGU)
- Academy of Social Sciences in Australia
- Australian Geography Teachers’ Association
- Geography Victoria
- Institute of Australian Geographers
- Royal Geographical Society of Queensland
- Royal Geographical Society of South Australia
Members
Chair
- Professor Kirsten Martinus, 2026–2029
Deputy Chair
- To be filled
Ordinary Members
- Dr Kirsten Maclean, 2026–2028
- Associate Professor Thomas Sigler, 2026–2028
- Professor Emerita Elaine Stratford, 2026–2028
- Mr John Tasker, 2023–2026
Observers
- Anna Lintern, Observer for EMCR Forum Executive, 2025–2026
Ex-officio Members
- Dr Susan Caldis, ex-officio representing Australian Geography Teachers' Association, 2023–
- Associate Professor Brian Cook, ex-officio representing Institute of Australian Geographers, 2026–2028
- Distinguished Professor Emeritus Iain Hay, ex-officio representing Royal Geographical Society of SA Inc, 2026–
- Professor Matthew Kearnes, ex-officio representing Geographical Society of New South Wales, –
- Professor Phil McManus, ex-officio representing International Geographic Union (IGU), 2015–
- Ms Giselle Pickering, ex-officio representing the Royal Geographical Society of Queensland, 2026–
- Professor Ian Rutherford, ex-officio representing Geography Victoria, 2026–
National Committee for Ecology, Evolution and Conservation
The committee deals with the ecology, evolution, and conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem services, including ecological and conservation issues related to food and fibre production, as well as native species subject to commercial and traditional harvest.
The National Committee for Ecology, Evolution and Conservation aims to:
- provide strategic evidence-based advice on ecology, evolution and conservation science to the Academy and other bodies as required
- support scientific literacy and excellence in ecology, evolution and conservation by engaging with researchers, professionals and relevant national organisations
- liaise with relevant international bodies, ensuring Australian involvement in international activities
- promote interdisciplinary collaboration and take a multi-disciplinary approach in providing advice to the Academy
Related Organisations
Reports and activities
- Submission - 2021 National Research Infrastructure Roadmap Exposure Draft, December 2021
- Submission—Senate Inquiry into Threatened Species, September 2018
- Letter—Kosciuszko Wild Horses Heritage Bill, June 2018
- Submission—Consultation on the Draft Revision of Australia's Biodiversity Conservation Strategy, March 2018
- Submission to the National Research Infrastructure Capability Consultation, September 2016
The Academy and the NCEEC have endorsed the following publications.
- National Marine Science Plan, published by the National Marine Science Committee in 2015
- Foundations for the future: A long-term plan for Australian ecosystem science, published July 2014
Members
Chair
- Professor Stuart Bunn FAA, 2026–2029
Deputy Chair
- To be filled
Ordinary Members
- Professor Carla Sgro, 2022–2026
- Professor Susan Laurance, 2026–2028
- Professor Martine Maron, 2022–2026
- Professor Helene Marsh FAA, 2023–2026
- Dr Margaret Byrne, 2013–2026
- Dr Holly Bradley, 2026–2028
- Dr John Morgan, 2024–2026
- Dr Elizabeth Pryde, 2026–2028
Observers
- Professor Alan Andersen FAA, Observer (past chair), 2026–2026
Ex-officio Members
- None
National Committee for Earth System Science
The Committee covers the science needed to understand weather and climate, how it is changing, and how it will change in the future, including data, process-based understanding and modelling.
The National Committee for Earth System Science aims to:
- provide strategic evidence-based advice on Earth system science to the Academy and other bodies as required
- support scientific literacy and excellence in Earth system science by engaging with researchers, professionals and relevant national organisations
- liaise with relevant international bodies, ensuring Australian involvement in international activities
- promote interdisciplinary collaboration and take a multi-disciplinary approach in providing advice to the Academy
- provide strategies, recommendations, and implementation priorities for improving Earth System models and climate projections and predictions
The core objectives of the committee derive from the NCESS Plan 2010 To live within Earth’s limits: An Australian plan to develop a science of the whole Earth system. Other broad aims include communication and reporting of Earth system science, advocacy for the funding needs of the ESS community, championing the ESS agenda and promoting Australian connections to international Earth system science.
The NCESS plan encompasses the development of a broader cross-academy approach to Earth system science in Australia that meshes with the Future Earth initiative of the International Science Council (ISC).
Reports and activities
- A decadal plan for Australian Earth System Science, November 2024
- Michael Raupach: a celebration of his life and science, February 2017
- Submission—Review of the Bureau of Meteorology's space weather services, July 2014
- To live within Earth’s limits: an Australian plan to develop a science of the whole Earth system, published 2010
Related groups and organisations
- Scientific Committee on Oceanic Research (SCOR)
- World Climate Research Programme (WCRP)
- Australian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society
- Future Earth Australia
Members
Chair
- Professor Andrew Pitman FAA, 2015–2026
Deputy Chair
- To be filled
Ordinary Members
- Professor Julie Arblaster, 2026–2028
- Dr Josep Canadell FAA, 2023–2026
- Dr Chloe Mackellah, 2023–2026
- Dr Felicity McCormack, 2023–2026
- Dr Negin Nazarian, 2023–2026
- Dr Christoph Rudiger, 2023–2026
- Dr Claire Vincent, 2023–2026
- Dr Jan David Zika, 2023–2026
Observers
- Dr Clem Duvert, Observer for EMCR Forum Executive, 2025–2026
Ex-officio Members
- None
National Committee for Earth Sciences
The committee covers Earth science with particular focus on the solid earth, including the discovery, extraction, and sustainable use of its various resources, and recognising the complementary role of the National Committee for Earth System Science (NCESS) with its coverage of groundwater, the oceans, atmosphere and climate.
The National Committee for Earth Science aims to:
- provide strategic evidence-based advice on Earth sciences to the Academy and other bodies as required
- support scientific literacy and excellence in Earth science by engaging with researchers, professionals and relevant national organisations
- liaise with relevant international bodies, ensuring Australian involvement in international activities
- promote interdisciplinary collaboration and take a multi-disciplinary approach in providing advice to the Academy
Statement regarding a decline in funding of tertiary geoscience departments across Australia
In August 2021 the National Committee for Earth Sciences published a statement addressing the systematic reduction in staff members in geosciences departments in Australia in recent years.
Reports and activities
- Submission - 2021 National Research Infrastructure Roadmap Exposure Draft December 2021
- Submission—University Research Commercialisation Scheme, April 2021
- Decadal plan for Australian Geoscience: Our Planet, Australia's Future, Published 2018
Related groups and organisations
- International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics (IUGG)
- International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS)
- Geoscience Australia
- The Australian Geoscience Council
- AuScope
Members
Chair
- Professor Ian Jackson FAA, 2022–2026
Deputy Chair
- Professor Kliti Grice FAA, 2020–2026
Ordinary Members
- Professor Peter Betts, 2026–2028
- Professor Ian Fitzsimons, 2026–2028
- Professor Myra Keep, 2026–2028
- Dr Andrew Smith, 2023–2026
Observers
- None
Ex-officio Members
- Professor David Cohen, ex-officio representing International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS), –
- Dr Rebecca Farrington, ex-officio representing AuScope Ltd, 2026–
- Dr Steve Hill, ex-officio representing Geoscience Australia, –
- Dr Sandra Occhipinti, ex-officio representing Australian Geoscience Council Inc (AGC), –
- Emeritus Professor Chris Rizos, ex-officio representing International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics (IUGG), –