Astronomy Australia Limited

Astronomy Australia Limited (AAL) is an independent not-for-profit company whose members are all Australian universities and research organisations with a significant astronomy research capability. AAL's vision is for Australian astronomy to be world leading and publicly valued. AAL's mission is to facilitate access for Australian-based astronomers to the best research infrastructure, encourage the sharing of astronomical technical capabilities to maximise their value to the nation, and inspire Australians with these astronomical achievements. AAL seeks to advance the research infrastructure priorities defined by the National Committee for Astronomy through its Decadal plan for Australian astronomy (2016-2025) and associated mid-term review.

Since its incorporation in 2007, AAL has coordinated the Australian astronomy response to, and managed the funding for, a number of national schemes and projects, including the Australian Government’s investments in astronomy infrastructure through the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS). AAL-administered funding has enabled construction, instrumentation development, upgrades, maintenance and operations across a portfolio of world-class astronomy facilities and projects. In this era of global astronomy, AAL also plays a key role representing Australia’s interests in a number of major international projects and partnerships while also managing the Anglo-Australian Telescope (AAT) Consortium.

The Chair of the AAL Board of Directors is Professor Rachel Webster AO FAA, who was recently appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in the 2020 Australia Day Honours List.