In the fast-developing space sector in Australia, the AAL Space Science Leads Committee is tasked with representing Australian astronomers at national and international space fora.
The Space Science Leads Committee shall:
- Identify and communicate to AAL Management and Board, key stakeholders within the space industry in Australia (government, private sector), propose avenues for engagement, and establish communication to represent interests of Australian astronomy, that are consistent with the Decadal Plan.
- Provide comment on the highest space sector priorities for the Australian astronomy community.
- Identify and communicate to AAL Management and Board, opportunities that could add value to AAL’s current business model in engaging with the space science sector.
- Provide comment to the AAL Management and Board, on avenues for collaborative research in the space sector utilising existing and future astronomy capabilities and facilities.
Membership and appointments process
- The Space Science Leads Committee will be appointed by the AAL Board in the open process of nominations advertised to the astronomy community.
- The Chair and other members will be appointed by a recommendation of the AAL Board.
- The Committee shall contain at least five members.
- Members will have expertise/interests and be actively engaged in space astronomy programs, and/or with a desired experience in large and complex space industry projects.
- Members will participate actively in pursuits of the Committee with a collaborative approach demonstrating unified leadership.
- The majority of members are to be from institutions supporting Australian space programs.
- The AAL Board will endeavor to maintain membership composition in accordance with AAL aims for institutional, geographical, career stage and gender diversity across its advisory committees.
- The normal term will be for 24 months, with a range of 18-30 months appointments being made if required in order to stagger them.
- The Chair and Committee members agree to abide by the AAL Code of Conduct and other guidelines.
Meetings
- The Space Science Leads Committee will meet at least twice a year two to three weeks before AAL Board meeting. These meetings may be carried out by videoconference or in person. Quarterly Updates shall be circulated by the Chair of the Committee to the relevant AAL staff for consideration by the AAL Board.
- If any issues arise requiring urgent attention, the Chair will call an ad hoc meeting of the Committee.
