Australia’s science and research priorities: conversation starter

ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY OF AUSTRALIA
Incorporated in the ACT
ABN 37 660 297 848

President Prof J C Lattanzio Prof J C Lattanzio, President, ASA
Immediate Past Pres. Prof C M Trott School of Physics and Astronomy
Vice-President Ass Prof S Shabala 10 College Walk,
Treasurer Dr Y Fenner Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800
Secretaries Dr M L Duldig Phone: +61 (0)409 959 326
Ass Prof J W O'Byrne E-mail: john.lattanzio@monash.edu

31 Mar 2023

Supplement to ASA Submission to Science Priorities

In a separate document, we have made the case for astronomy holding a unique position within science. It connects with society in many direct and indirect ways, enabling technological development, and delivering societal benefits.

We strongly believe that this very special science has connections and opportunities that are essential to the future scientific capability of Australia, including economic and societal impacts. Australia’s world-leading international reputation in astronomy has already brought in significant direct foreign investment and brain gain. Technology transfer and workforce training by astronomers have benefited many applied areas of national importance. We request a meeting with Australia’s Chief Scientist and relevant representative(s) of the national science and research priorities Taskforce to highlight the opportunities offered by astronomy, and indeed fundamental science in general.

Signed by:

Professor John Lattanzio, President Astronomical Society of Australia
Professor Virginia Kilborn, Chair of the National Committee of Astronomy
Professor Brian Schmidt, Nobel Laureate, Vice Chancellor ANU
Heads of Astronomy Departments and Astronomy facilities
Professor Matthew Bailes, Director, ARC Centre of Excellence, OzGrav
Professor Holger Baumgardt, Director, School Mathematics and Physics, University of Queensland
Professor Joss Bland-Hawthorn, Director, Sydney Institute for Astronomy
Professor Jean P. Brodie, Director, Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing, Swinburne University
Professor Sarah Brough, Head of School of Physics, UNSW Sydney
Professor Brad Carter, Director, Centre for Astrophysics, University of Southern Queensland
Dr Mark Casali, Director, Australian Astronomical Optics, Macquarie University
Professor Andrew Cole, Head of Physics, University of Tasmania
Professor Bruce Dawson, Head of Astrophysics, University of Adelaide
Professor Miroslav Filipovic, Director Penrith Observatory, Western Sydney University
A/Professor Paul Lasky, Head of Astro Group, School of Physics and Astronomy, Monash University
A/Professor Chris Lidman, Director, Siding Spring Observatory
Professor Richard McDermid, Head of Astrophysics, Macquarie University
Professor Sarah Pears, SKA Low Telescope Director
Dr Ashley Ruiter, Discipline Leader, School of Science, UNSW Canberra @ADFA
Professor Emma Ryan-Weber, Director, ARC Centre of Excellence, ASTRO 3D
Professor Lister Staveley-Smith, Director, International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research, UWA
Professor Steven Tingay, Director,Curtin Institute for Radio Astronomy Research, Curtin University
Professor Rachel Webster, Head of Physics, University of Melbourne
Professor Stuart Wyithe, Director, Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics, ANU