Optical Telescopes Advisory Committee

Terms of Reference

The Optical Telescopes Advisory Committee is a committee of Astronomy Australia Ltd (AAL). The purpose of OTAC is to assist AAL by executing the following:

• Consider the operational performance of all Australia's national optical/infra-red telescopes (including the Australian share of international facilities), with particular regard to whether they both individually and in combination cater for the scientific needs of the Australian community;
• Monitor and assess the progress of any national optical/infra-red telescope projects funded by AAL; and
• Keep the AAL Board appraised of global developments in major optical/infra-red telescope facilities, and provide it with strategic advice accordingly.

Membership

• Members of OTAC are appointed by the AAL Board for a fixed term, with the possibility of renewal.

Composition

• Sarah Brough, Australian Astronomical Observatory, until 31 December 2013
• Michael Brown, Monash University, until 31 December 2012
• Matthew Colless, Australian Astronomical Observatory Director (ex-officio)
• Michael Murphy, Swinburne University of Technology, until 31 December 2013
• Quentin Parker, Macquarie University, until 31 December 2013
• Peter Quinn, Gemini Board Member (ex-officio)
• Stuart Ryder, Australian Gemini Scientist (ex-officio)
• Chris Tinney (Chair), University of New South Wales, until 31 December 2012
• Stuart Wyithe, Astronomy Australia Ltd, until 31 December 2014