With the energy transition well underway, it is pleasing to see increased and substantive actions by governments, industry and individuals across Australia. But there is still much uncertainty, including in our research needs, from critical technologies to social and cultural change. The Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA) is pleased to announce a refresh of its Expert Working Group (EWG) for the next phase of the Australian Energy Transition Research Plan (the Research Plan).
Commencing in late 2020, ACOLA’s work, through convening Australia’s leading minds in Australia’s Learned Academies, has produced six reports in close collaboration with academia, industry and government.
The new EWG, led by incoming chair Professor Ken Baldwin FTSE, will be:
- Professor Fran Baum AO FASSA FAHMS,
- Professor Lesley Head FASSA FAHA,
- Professor Thomas Maschmeyer FAA FTSE MAE FRACI FRSN,
- Professor Sue Richardson AM FASSA, and
- Ms Merryn York FTSE.
These six Fellows, from across Australia’s five Learned Academies, will convene insights and undertake analysis to drive research leadership in this critical national agenda. Each brings a unique background of research and industry experience essential to developing the trusted, independent, interdisciplinary and research-based advice ACOLA and the Learned Academies are known for.
Their sector-leading experiences range from battery and emerging technologies, to social change and energy system design. Both industry and academia will be considered and incorporated to ensure that research needs are practical and valuable for all of Australia, as this issue is too critical for analysis and reports that are not accessible or useful for as many people as possible.
Professor Richard Holden FASSA, Board Chair of ACOLA, said, “We thank sincerely the outgoing members of this committee, Dr Bruce Godfery FTSE and Emeritus Professor Libby Robbins FAHA, and especially Dr Drew Clarke AO PSM FTSE for his role as chair. Our successes were impossible without their intellect and commitment to this important work.”
“The ACOLA Board looks forward to working with the continuing and new expert group members.”
Australia has critical and unique research needs that must be met to ensure our pathways to net zero consider Australia’s social and economic aspects, and the Learned Academies have crucial leadership to offer. Future work will focus on measuring our progress in addressing these research needs, the just transition, and communicating deeper understandings of social dynamics and emerging technologies.
Further details, including the past reports, are available on the ACOLA website at acola.org.au.
Media contact:
For more information or to arrange interviews, contact:
Ryan Winn
CEO, Australian Council of Learned Academies
0484 814 040
About
Australia’s five Learned Academies provide independent, authoritative and influential research-based advice across research domains, build public awareness and understanding of research, and champion, celebrate and support excellence in Australian research and innovation. The Academies are:
- Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia
- Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences
- Australian Academy of the Humanities
- Australian Academy of Science
- Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering
ACOLA is the forum whereby Australia’s Learned Academies come together to contribute expert advice to inform national policy; and to develop innovative solutions to complex global problems and emerging national needs.
