Director's Message
Published in the RSAA Lunations
Vol1 Issue18 1–31 July 2021
We are past the winter solstice, so the days are getting longer again - which is a particularly welcome change to those of us in buildings afflicted by problems with their heating systems. We are working on those problems, but still far from being able to claim victory in this protracted and chilly 'Cold War’.
Later this month, RSAA senior staff will be holding a retreat to discuss some of the big issues and challenges that the School and the University face over the few years. These discussions will range over a variety of topics touching all aspects of the School’s mission and activities, including:
- aligning the ANU, CoS and RSAA strategic plans;
- assessing research opportunities in astronomy and astrophysics, including those afforded by new facilities;
- reviewing RSAA’s education programs and ensuring they meet the requirements of the students, the School, and the University;
- developing an academic hiring plan matched to RSAA’s research and education goals;
- ensuring a future for the AAT and making the most of SSO's unique capabilities, both nationally and internationally;
- consolidating the AITC’s success and setting new directions for the instrumentation and technology program;
- planning the growth of the Centre for Gravitational Astrophysics;
- expanding RSAA’s outreach and advancement programs and making them work together effectively;
- diversifying the School’s revenue streams and optimising the finances; and
- continuing to improve RSAA’s work environment and culture.
This is by no means an exhaustive list of possible topics - if you would like to suggest other matters that merit discussion at the retreat, please email me!
All of these issues, and others, will need to be addressed in developing RSAA’s strategic plan for the period to 2025. The senior staff retreat is just a first step in a series of discussions and consultations that will go into shaping that plan over the rest of this year. I hope you will all join that conversation!
Matthew Colless
