Astronomy decadal plan 2026–2035

The National Committee for Astronomy has conducted a strategic review for Australian astronomy for the decade 2026–2035.

The decadal plan provides a vision for Australian astronomy, setting a roadmap for addressing critical scientific questions and building the necessary infrastructure.

 

Download the decadal plan (PDF, 11 MB)

Download the decadal plan, high resolution version (PDF, 88 MB)

Visit the resource page for supporting documents and working group reports

Read the Academy’s media release

Executive summary

Australian astronomy is unravelling the deepest mysteries of our cosmos and our place in it – from exoplanets to detecting gravitational waves and accelerating the hunt for dark matter. It is addressing national priorities, including STEM education, elevating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems, and technologies that support new jobs in areas such as manufacturing.

Fundamental scientific discoveries, Australian instrumentation advancements, technology development, data science capabilities, and partnerships with industry are delivering value for the nation. Alongside, Astronomy education programs are shaping an in-demand, high-tech workforce contributing to the country’s prosperity.

The decadal plan for Australian astronomy 2026–2035 sketches the vision and priorities for Australian astronomy over the next decade. It identifies nine priorities organised into three overarching themes. Implementing these priority actions will ensure Australia's homegrown research remains a world-class endeavour, where the nation benefits from excellence in fundamental science and the applications that result.

Key highlights of the decadal plan

This decadal plan outlines the capabilities and facilities that will be key to empowering Australian research that pushes new frontiers across four big questions:

1. How is stellar and galaxy evolution interconnected across all scales?
2. What is the dark Universe made of?
3. How does physics work in extreme environments?
4. How do planetary systems form and evolve – and are they habitable?

These complex questions require a cross-disciplinary approach, diverse techniques, high-performance computing capability, industry partnership, and international cooperation.

The plan recommends ways in which the astronomy research community can inspire and connect with all Australians, including engaging with future scientists and boosting diversity in the sector. Notably, this decadal plan is the first time Australian astronomy has focused on and incorporated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander astronomy.

In our vision for Australian astronomy, the nation reaps the rewards from excellence in fundamental science, innovative technology, and industry partnership.

About the cover artwork

The artwork on the decadal plan’s cover is Seven Sisters (2024) by Noeleen Hamlett, Wajarri Yamaji. The artwork is part of the Cosmic Echoes: Shared Sky Indigenous Art Exhibition, which is an SKAO initiative, in collaboration with SARAO, CSIRO and the Wajarri Yamaji Aboriginal Corporation.