The plan sketches the vision and priorities for Australian astronomy over the next decade. It traverses the trailblazing discoveries of the last 10 years, and discusses new frontiers waiting to be explored by science. It outlines Australia’s research impact and excellence in astronomy. It then dives into more future-focused detail on Australia’s infrastructure, instrumentation, innovation and community. The plan identifies nine priorities across three overarching themes.

The plan outlines the capabilities and facilities that will be key to empowering Australian research that pushes new frontiers across four big questions: 

• How is stellar and galaxy evolution interconnected across all scales?
• What is the dark Universe made of?
• How does physics work in extreme environments?
• How do planetary systems form and evolve – and are they habitable?

These complex questions require a cross-disciplinary approach, diverse techniques, high-performance computing
capability, industry partnership and international cooperation. 

Key priorities

• Capitalising on Australia’s engagement with Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO).
• Building Australian capacity including strengthening access to high-performance computing, data and software.
• Building connections with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander astronomy.
• Promoting dark and radio-quiet skies in Australia.