June 9, 2026
We are pleased to announce the renewal of the ACCESS-NRI Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC).
From its launch in 2022 to its renewal in 2026, the SAC has embodied ACCESS-NRI’s commitment to respond to the community needs, bringing community voices and expertise into our planning, priorities and decision-making.
In 2026, the SAC made the decision to change the way it operated, opening nominations to the ACCESS Community. We were seeking a diverse committee that included representatives from each of the ACCESS Community Working Groups (CWGs), as well as members from different career stages and spanning a broad range of research, technical and infrastructure expertise. We received many applications, and 11 members were ultimately selected.
ACCESS-NRI Director Andy Hogg pointed out that “The new committee will play a more active and strategic role in shaping ACCESS-NRI’s direction. With significant uncertainty around research infrastructure funding, being able to articulate what is needed and why, and to coordinate across organisations, is critically important. The SAC brings the breadth of expertise needed to help us do that”.
The updated Terms of Reference for the new SAC reflect this broader and more strategic role including developing an ACCESS-NRI Roadmap, advising the ACCESS-NRI Director and Board on scientific priorities and serving a national and international liaison role for the ACCESS community.
The new committee held their first meeting in May 2026. The new members bring expertise spanning ocean modelling, atmospheric science, palaeoclimate, biogeochemistry, land surface processes, high-performance computing, machine learning, operational forecasting, and Earth system science.
Adele Morrison (ANU) has been elected Chair of the committee, and Vassili Kitsios (CSIRO) has been elected Deputy Chair. “The previous SAC played an important role in strengthening communication between ACCESS-NRI, partner organisations and the broader community. I am excited that the renewed committee has been given a more targeted advisory role and will help shape the long-term strategic direction of ACCESS-NRI and its future model development,” said Adele.
We would like to sincerely thank the previous SAC members for their outstanding contribution over the past four years, since the launch of ACCESS-NRI in 2022. Their guidance and expertise have been invaluable in shaping the direction of the organisation.
Meet the members of the ACCESS-NRI Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC)
Read the new SAC Terms of Reference
Read the SAC minutes