National Committee for Data in Science

The committee addresses national data policy, data infrastructure, and data access across the science and research system, promoting data interoperability and usability informed by and informing international data standards and principles. 
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The committee addresses national data policy, data infrastructure, and data access across the science and research system, promoting data interoperability and usability informed by and informing international data standards and principles. 

The National Committee for Data in Science aims to:

  • provide strategic evidence-based advice on the use of data in science to the Academy and other bodies as required
  • support best practice regarding data use in 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
  • advance the FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) and CARE (Collective Benefit, Authority to Control, Responsibility, Ethics) data principles 

Reports and activities

Related groups and organisations

Members

Chair

  • Mr Donald Hobern, 2026-2029

Deputy Chair

  • To be filled

Ordinary Members

  • Dr Ming Ding, 2026–2028
  • Dr Rebecca Farrington, 2026–2028
  • Dr Steve Hill, 2026-2028
  • Mr Donald Hobern, 2026–2028
  • Professor Ingeborg Koch, 2026–2028
  • Dr Cassandra Sedran-Price, 2026-2028
  • Dr Asara Senaratne, 2026–2028
  • Professor Michael Stumpf FAA, 2026–2028
  • Associate Professor Katrina Witt, 2026–2028

Observers

  • Associate Professor Stephanie Harrison, Observer for EMCR Forum Executive, 2025–2026
  • Dr Adrian Burton (past chair), 2026

Ex-officio Members

  • None

National Committee for Crystallography

The study of the structure of crystalline and other materials using X-rays, neutrons or electrons; synchrotron radiation, electron microscopy and diffraction, neutron scattering and diffraction. These studies impact the broader disciplines of chemistry, physics, geology, biology, and medicine. 
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The study of the structure of crystalline and other materials using X-rays, neutrons or electrons; synchrotron radiation, electron microscopy and diffraction, neutron scattering and diffraction. These studies impact the broader disciplines of chemistry, physics, geology, biology, and medicine. 

The National Committee for Crystallography aims to:

  • provide strategic evidence-based advice on crystallography to the Academy and other bodies as required
  • support scientific literacy and excellence in crystallography 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

Members

Chair

  • Professor Megan Maher, 2025–2028

Deputy Chair

  • Associate Professor Neeraj Sharma, 2025–2028

Ordinary Members

  • Dr Josie Auckett, 2025–2028
  • Professor Charles Bond, 2025–2028
  • Dr Anita D’Angelo, 2025–2028
  • Emily Furlong, 2025–2028
  • Carol Hua, 2025–2028
  • Professor Vanessa Peterson, 2025–2028
  • Dr Thomas Ve, 2025–2028
  • Professor James Whisstock, 2025–2028

Observers

  • None

Ex-officio Members

  • Associate Professor Christopher Sumby, ex-officio representing Society of Crystallographers in Australia and New Zealand (SCANZ), 2025–

National Committee for Chemistry

The committee covers all aspects of chemistry, including core chemistry disciplines, applied chemistry fields, specialised areas related to chemical sciences and chemistry in society.
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The committee covers all aspects of chemistry, including core chemistry disciplines, applied chemistry fields, specialised areas related to chemical sciences and chemistry in society.

The National Committee for Chemistry aims to:

  • provide strategic evidence-based advice on chemistry to the Academy and other bodies as required
  • support scientific literacy and excellence in chemistry 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

 

Related groups and organisations

Members

Chair

  • Professor Alison Rodger FAA, 2026–2029

Deputy Chair

  • To be filled

Ordinary Members

  • Professor Zaiping Guo FAA, 2023–2026
  • Dr Haihui Joy Jiang, 2026–2028
  • Dr Marcus Korb, 2026–2028
  • Dr Dia Milani, 2026–2028
  • Dr Daniel Priebbenow, 2023–2026
  • Dr Helena Yuan Wang, 2023–2026

Observers

  • Professor Katrina Jolliffe FAA, Observer (past chair), 2026–2026
  • Dr Yang Liu, Observer for EMCR Forum Executive, 2025–2026

Ex-officio Members

  • Professor Amanda Ellis, ex-officio representing Royal Australian Chemical Institute, 2025–2027
  • Emerita Professor Mary Garson FAA, ex-officio representing International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry, –

National Committee for Brain and Mind

The committee represents the broad fields of brain and psychological sciences, including but not limited to neuroscience, psychology, neuroimaging, neuroengineering, neuroethics and artificial intelligence.
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The committee represents the broad fields of brain and psychological sciences, including but not limited to neuroscience, psychology, neuroimaging, neuroengineering, neuroethics and artificial intelligence.

The National Committee for Brain and Mind aims to:

  • provide strategic evidence-based advice on brain and psychological sciences to the Academy and other bodies as required
  • support scientific literacy and excellence in brain and psychological 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

Report and activities

Related Organisations

Members

Chair

  • Dr Hannah Keage, 2026–2029

Deputy Chair

  • To be filled

Ordinary Members

  • Associate Professor Trevor Chong, 2026–2028
  • Professor Nick Haslam, 2026–2028
  • Professor Anthony Hannan, 2026–2028
  • Professor Muireann Irish, 2026–2028
  • Dr Sharna Jamadar, 2026–2028
  • Dr Natalie Matosin, 2026–2028
  • Associate Professor Kiley Seymour, 2026–2028
  • Professor Iroise Dumontheil, 2026–2028

Observers

  • Professor Jason Mattingley, Observer (past chair), 2026–2026

Ex-officio Members

  • None

National Committee for Astronomy

The committee covers all research areas and methods in astronomy and astrophysics, including instrumentation, education, outreach, and industry applications, and plays a key role in shaping the strategic direction and long-term planning for Australian astronomy.  
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The committee covers all research areas and methods in astronomy and astrophysics, including instrumentation, education, outreach, and industry applications, and plays a key role in shaping the strategic direction and long-term planning for Australian astronomy.  

The National Committee for Astronomy aims to:

  • provide strategic evidence-based advice on astronomical science to the Academy and other bodies as required
  • support scientific literacy and excellence in astronomical 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
  • develop decadal plans and mid-term reviews for Australian astronomy

Reports and activities

Related groups and organisations

Members

Chair

  • Professor Sarah Brough, 2026–2029

Deputy Chair

  • To be filled

Ordinary Members

  • Dr Kirsten Banks, 2026–2028
  • Professor Karl Glazebrook FAA, 2025–2028
  • Professor Melissa Ness, 2025–2028
  • Professor Daniel Price, 2026–2028
  • Professor Eric Thrane, 2026–2029
  • Associate Professor Michele Trenti, 2024–2026
  • Dr Tayyaba Zafar, 2024–2026

Observers

  • Professor Virginia Kilborn, Observer (past chair), 2026–2026
  • Ms Natalie Weddell, Observer for DISER SKA and Astronomy branch rep – SKA/ESO, 2025–2028

Ex-officio Members

  • Dr Douglas Bock, ex-officio representing CSIRO Australia Telescope National Facility, 2020–
  • Professor Richard McDermid, ex-officio representing Astronomical Society of Australia, 2025–2027
  • Dr Sarah Pearce, ex-officio representing SKA Observatory, 2022–
  • Professor Cathryn Trott, ex-officio representing Astronomy Australia Limited, 2025–2027
  • Professor Stuart Wyithe, ex-officio representing Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics, 2023–

National Committee for Antarctic Research

The committee covers all branches of physical and biological sciences relevant to studies of and from Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, as well as the interface between Antarctic science and policy while coordinating Australia's active participation in international program planning and management.  
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The committee covers all branches of physical and biological sciences relevant to studies of and from Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, as well as the interface between Antarctic science and policy while coordinating Australia's active participation in international program planning and management.  

The National Committee for Antarctic Research aims to:

  • provide strategic evidence-based advice on Antarctic science to the Academy and other bodies as required
  • support scientific literacy and excellence in Antarctic 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
  • represent the Australian Antarctic science community as member of the Australian Antarctic Science Council.

Reports and activities

Related groups and organisations

Members

Chair

  • Professor Nicole Webster FAA, 2025–2028

Deputy chair

  • Dr Ariaan Purich, 2025–2027

Ordinary Members

  • Professor Steven Chown FAA, 2025–2026
  • Dr Delphine Lannuzel, 2025–2027
  • Dr Jasmine Lee, 2026–2028
  • Dr Adele Morrison, 2026–2028
  • Dr Stephen Rintoul FAA, 2025–2027
  • Professor Sharon Robinson, 2021–2026
  • Professor Juan Francisco Salazar Sutil, 2025–2027

Observers

  • None

Ex-officio Members

  • Professor Nerilie Abram FAA, ex-officio representing Australian Antarctic Division, 2025–

National Committee for Agriculture and Food

The agricultural research community spans food, feed, and fibre production, including crop and animal production systems, genetic and agronomic improvement, environmental impacts, food security and sustainability, and food storage, processing and distribution.
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The agricultural research community spans food, feed, and fibre production, including crop and animal production systems, genetic and agronomic improvement, environmental impacts, food security and sustainability, and food storage, processing and distribution.

 

The National Committee for Agriculture and Food aims to:

 

  • provide strategic evidence-based advice on agricultural science to the Academy and other bodies as required
  • support scientific literacy and excellence in agricultural 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

 

Reports and activities

Members

Chair

  • Professor Geoff Grossel, 2026–2029

Deputy chair

  • To be filled

Ordinary Members

  • Joanna Gambetta, 2026–2028
  • Dr Zeinab Khalil, 2026–2028
  • Dr Dianne Mayberry, 2023–2026
  • Emeritus Professor Barbara Nowak FAA, 2023–2026
  • Professor Rajeev Varshney FAA, 2026–2028
  • Associate Professor Alexandra Whittaker, 2026–2028
  • Dr Wei Xu, 2026–2028

Observers

  • Emeritus Professor Peter Langridge FAA, Observer (past chair), 2026–2026

Ex-officio Members

  • Dr Anneline Padayachee, ex-officio representing National Committee for Nutrition, 2023–2026

Guidelines for National Committees

The following document contains the guidelines for National Committees, updated on 26 October 2015.
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The following document contains the guidelines for National Committees, updated on 26 October 2015.

  • Download guidelines (PDF, 263 KB)
national-committee-guidelines-2015-10-26.pdf PDF ( 263 KB )
Guidelines for National Committees-attachment

Guidelines for international scientific meetings held in Australia

These guidelines set out the Academy’s policy on holding international meetings in Australia at the invitation of the Australian Academy of Science .
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The objective of this policy is to allow the Academy to invite International Unions and other scientific members of the International Science Council (ISC) family to hold international congresses, general assemblies and similar meetings, while at the same time, help the meeting organisers financially and in other ways without exposing the Academy to unknown or unlimited liability. The policy also applies to meetings of international bodies outside the umbrella of ISC, for which the Academy has been asked to issue an invitation.

Introduction

International science meetings are an important means of communication among the scientific community. Major scientific international meetings, organised within individual disciplines, are convened on a regular, cyclical basis with the meeting locations rotating among interested countries. It is important for Australia to take its turn as a site for such meetings; particularly those sponsored by international organisations in which Australian researchers are active participants.

On behalf of the Australian research community, the Australian Academy of Science, serves as the adhering body of the major international, nongovernmental, disciplinary unions, which have as one of their prime tasks the sponsorship of scientific meetings. Most of these disciplinary unions are affiliated with the International Science Council (ISC), to which the Academy also adheres. As the adhering body, the Academy has responsibilities in relation to international meetings held in Australia under the auspices of these bodies.

In Australia, the organisation of international meetings requires the assistance and cooperation of a number of domestic institutions both private and public. These include the Academy, scientific societies, universities, research institutes and industries, as well as governmental bodies at both the federal and state levels.

For all types of meetings it can be anticipated that the appropriate National Committee and the Academy, will be involved to some extent. The measure of involvement will vary, depending on the circumstances of each meeting and the responsibilities that will have been agreed upon with respect to the designation of an organising body to handle the necessary fiscal and administrative arrangements, issuance of the invitation, and sponsorship.

This document sets out the Academy’s policy on holding international meetings in Australia. The objective of this policy is to allow the Academy to invite International Unions and other scientific members of the ISC family to hold international congresses, general assemblies and similar meetings, while at the same time, help the meeting organisers financially and in other ways without exposing the Academy to unknown or unlimited liability. The policy also applies to meetings of international bodies outside the umbrella of ISC, for which the Academy has been asked to issue an invitation.

Organising body

It is central to this policy that there is only one organising body which will have responsibility for the logistical and financial aspects of the meeting. Responsibility for selecting or establishing the organising body rests with the sector of the Australian research community that requests the Academy to issue the invitation. The organising body (designated corporate agent) may choose to subcontract aspects of the meeting (eg the scientific programme or the day-to-day administration) and enter into agreements (such as leases) with other parties but the Academy as adhering body and issuer of the invitation will have a relation only with the organising body not with any subcontractors.

As the Australian adhering organisation of the international body, the Academy should receive periodic reports from the organising body. Therefore, National Committees are responsible for keeping abreast of plans for the meeting. An organising body or corporate agent must be identified before an invitation is issued. This body must be technically competent to run the meeting, and must be likely to be in existence when the meeting occurs and the extent of any liability becomes apparent (which may be 10 or more years after the invitation is issued). If no suitable organising body can be identified, no invitation can be issued.

Issuance of invitations

For meetings held under the sponsorship of the ISC, unions or committees, the letter of invitation is normally issued by the President of the Academy, following discussion and approval by the Council of the Academy. The request to the President for such a letter is based on the recommendation of the appropriate National Committee and the agreement of the Academy’s Foreign Secretary.

Early communication and continuous consultation by the meeting organisers with the Academy and the National Committee is strongly recommended – preferably twelve months before the meeting at which it is intended to submit the invitation and well before any signals are sent to the ISC body as to the likelihood of an invitation from Australia – so that initiators have a clear understanding of the Academy’s policy and responsibilities that will fall to them. The formal approach to the Academy should be not less than six months before the meeting, so that the Council of the Academy can give full consideration.

The Academy will issue an invitation only if it is satisfied that it has the broad support of the scientific community and that it will not incur any unacceptable liability by issuing such an invitation.

The organising body must accept, in writing, full responsibility for ensuring that the meeting takes place. It must, in effect, have a contract with the ISC body to deliver the meeting, so that if for any reason the meeting does not materialise, that is a matter for the organising body and the ISC body, and neither the ISC body or the organising body will have a claim on the Academy.

The organising body and the ISC body must agree between them to accept full responsibility for the finance of the meeting and for any costs or liabilities that may arise in connection with the meeting.

The ISC body must confirm that, in respect to the meeting, any explicit or implicit responsibility falling on the Academy as adhering body has been negated, and either absorbed by the ISC body or reassigned to the organising body.

The above conditions must be met before the Academy can issue an invitation.

Sponsorship

Meetings held under the auspices of an international organisation are normally considered to be sponsored by those bodies. It will be a matter of negotiation whether the Academy and/or other appropriate national groups or institutions also wish to be listed as official sponsors. Such multiple sponsorship may depend on possible financial and other material assistance offered.

Other organisational responsibilities

There are other organisational matters on which all responsible partners must collaborate to assure that the necessary action is taken to achieve a successful meeting. These include, but may not be limited to:

Organisation of the scientific program

In some cases, this will be the responsibility of the sponsoring international organisations with little or no involvement by the local organising committee. In other instances, it will devolve completely on the host organisation(s) to determine the program design; topics, speakers, and publication plans. In both cases, however, some consultation between the international and local bodies is required.

Formation of a local organising committee

It is the responsibility of the designated corporate agent to establish a local organising committee. This committee, which is responsible for assuring that the necessary logistical and hospitality matters are attended to through organised volunteers or through a contract by the corporate agent with a professional congress organiser.

Budget

It is the expectation of the Academy that international scientific meetings held in Australia at the invitation of the Academy will be self-supporting. This means that appropriate registration fees must be set by the responsible group(s) and realistic expectations developed with respect to anticipated income and expenditures. Other aspects, which must be considered, include start-up funding, identification of potential funders (governmental and nongovernmental), proposal preparation, etc. Appropriate offices of the Academy could be consulted for advice and assistance in these matters.

International scientific meetings held in Australia are of value to Australian researchers and provide a welcome opportunity to demonstrate the Australian commitment to international scientific cooperation. They offer young Australian researchers the prospect of establishing valuable professional contacts with colleagues from abroad and frequently have important economic and political benefits for the country as a whole. The Australian Academy of Science recognises its role as the Australian member of ISC and its constituent unions to facilitate the hosting of successful international scientific meetings in Australia. It is prepared to pursue actively the responsibilities that have been outlined in this document, thereby demonstrating its strong commitment to the Australian research community and to international scientific cooperation.

Emerging Issues in Science and Society

To meet the great challenges of this century we need the best science, but also the best social and humanities research. The answers that science provides are often not enough to make the changes we need to see in the world. Only when researchers work together across disciplinary divides can we be sure we are asking the right questions.
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Emerging Issues in Science and Society

To meet the great challenges of this century we need the best science, but also the best social and humanities research. The answers that science provides are often not enough to make the changes we need to see in the world. Only when researchers work together across disciplinary divides can we be sure we are asking the right questions.

The Emerging Issues in Science and Society (EISS) symposium, supported by the National Committee for History and Philosophy of Science at the Australian Academy of Science, will bring together emerging social science and humanities scholars with those in the physical and life sciences to address issues such as genetic testing, creating clean water in remote communities, the future of food sustainability, and AI and bias.

Over one afternoon, scientists will be in conversation with humanities and social scientists to generate new answers and new questions to address some of the biggest challenges of our time.

The event will be MC’d by Dr Jenny Martin, celebrated science communicator at the University of Melbourne and co-host of 3RRR’s Einstein-a-go-go.

Session 1

The use and misuse of genetic testing

Emma Kowal, medical anthropologist and Future Fellow at the Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation

Jeff Craig, epidemiologist and Associate Professor of Medical Sciences at Deakin University

Chair: Dr Jacqueline Savard

Session 2

Clean Water and remote communities

Ellen Moon, geochemist and Lecturer in Environmental Engineering at Deakin University

Debra Dank, Indigenous literacy expert and Gudanji woman

Chair: Dr Timothy Neale

Session 3

The future and challenges of food sustainability

Michalis Hadjikakou, environment and sustainability scientist and Research Fellow at Deakin University

Chris Mayes, sociologist of health and food and Research Fellow at the Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation

Chair: Associate Professor Euan Ritchie

Session 4

AI and bias

Leonard Hoon, data scientist and Senior Research Fellow at the Applied Artificial Intelligence Institute

Thao Phan, gender and AI researcher and Research Fellow at the Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation

Chair: Dr Diarmaid Harkin

This event is organised by the Deakin Science and Society Network and supported by the National Committee for History and Philosophy of Science at the Australian Academy of Science and Deakin University’s Applied Artificial Intelligence Institute.

 

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