[ASA] Astronomy Australia Ltd (AAL) seeks applications for three vacancies on the AAL Board

[Catherine Andrews]

Dear all,

Astronomy Australia Ltd (AAL) seeks applications for three vacancies on the AAL Board.

Astronomy Australia Ltd (AAL) is a not-for-profit company supported by members across Australian universities and research organisations with a significant astronomical research capability. AAL manages the Astronomy Program of the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) and oversees management of the Anglo-Australian Telescope (AAT).

AAL’s purpose is to advance the science of astronomy in Australia by supporting achievement of the goals of the 2026-35 Astronomy Decadal Plan - the articulation of the highest priorities of the Australian astronomy community over the coming decade.

In particular, we seek to secure national access to groundbreaking astronomy facilities, build Australian capacity, and work with organisations in Australia which manage national astronomy facilities. We also seek to collaborate with partners to ensure astronomy enables a thriving community. Our vision is for Australian astronomy to have access to the world’s best research infrastructure to conduct groundbreaking science, support Australian industry and innovation, and deliver impact for society.

AAL is governed by an independent Board of Directors.

At the conclusion of the AAL Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 26 November 2025, the terms of Prof Brian Schmidt, Prof Orsola De Marco and Dr Ilana Feain will expire, creating three vacancies on the Board. The AAL constitution requires the Members to seek a Board that collectively has experience in astronomical research broadly consistent with the Astronomy Decadal Plan, along with a range of skills and experiences relevant to a company focused on national and international research infrastructure collaboration.

The Members have typically prioritised broad geographic representation and diversity in electing Directors to the AAL Board.

To complement the skills and expertise of the ongoing Directors, the AAL Nomination Committee is particularly interested in candidates who possess at least a basic understanding of the Australian astronomy ecosystem and can demonstrate a depth of senior experience in one or more of the following areas:

  *   executive leadership of a small or medium enterprise;
  *   legal matters;
  *   translation of research infrastructure into engagement with industry;
  *   space-based astronomical infrastructure; and
  *   advanced software and AI/ML systems relevant to astronomy.

At least one vacancy needs to be filled by a candidate who has conducted research in astronomy or a related field.

Candidates with prior audit and risk experience at a senior level and/or qualifications from the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) will be highly regarded.

Commitments from AAL Board members
To be considered as a candidate for a position as a non-executive Director with AAL, you should be aware of the following criteria:

  *   Non-executive directors are elected for a three-year term.
  *   Attendance is required at four Board meetings that take place each year, in February (one full day), May (two days, in conjunction with the annual strategy session), August (one full day) and November (one-and-a-half days, in conjunction with the AGM). Meetings are either face-to-face, held usually in Canberra, or virtual.
  *   In addition to Board meetings and other conference calls scheduled throughout the year as required, non-executive directors typically participate on one or two committees, and occasionally on overseas committees. The level of participation is not mandated by AAL, but rather each non-executive director is invited to volunteer to serve on such committees.
  *   Non-executive directors are remunerated on the basis of their anticipated time commitments and receive a fixed fee plus superannuation on a periodic basis (monthly) throughout each year. Most activity occurs around the quarterly Board meetings.

Applications
If you consider yourself well placed to contribute to the Board via your expertise and ideas, please email the Company Secretary, Catherine Andrews<mailto:catherineandrews at swin.edu.au> with a one-page letter and one-page CV demonstrating:

  *   relevant expertise, including your knowledge of the Australian astronomy ecosystem and one or more of the areas listed above;
  *   an understanding of board functions, roles and responsibilities
  *   why you want to join the Board of AAL, and
  *   any relevant conflicts of interest.

AAL is committed to equity and diversity and encourages applications from under-represented groups.

The deadline for applications is Tuesday, 14 October 2025 at 9:00 AM AEDT.  Late applications will not be accepted.

Applications will be reviewed by the Nomination Committee. This committee will make nominations to the AAL Members for consideration and the outcome of the election will be announced during the 2025 AAL AGM.

Queries can be made to either Dr Alexander Cooke<mailto:alexandercooke at swin.edu.au>, Chief Executive Officer, or Prof Brian Schmidt<mailto:bp.schmidt at anu.edu.au>, Nomination Committee Chair.

Kind regards,
Catherine

______________________________________________
Catherine Andrews BA (Hons) AGIA ACG
Director of Administration/Company Secretary
Astronomy Australia Ltd

T: (03) 9214 5854
E: catherine.andrews at astronomyaustralia.org.au<mailto:catherine.andrews at astronomyaustralia.org.au>
W: astronomyaustralia.org.au
P: P.O. Box 2100  Hawthorn  VIC 3122

Please note that I do not work on Wednesdays

I respectfully acknowledge the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation, who are the Traditional Owners of the land on which AAL’s Melbourne office is located, and pay my respect to their Elders past, present and emerging.

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