ASA Council Ballot – 2025

Dr Nichole Barry, University of New South Wales

I have served the ASA ECR Chapter community as a member, chair, and past-chair since 2019. Now that I have transitioned into a permanent role at UNSW, I would like to serve the ASA community in a more broad-reaching position, relying on my experience to be a bridge between ECRs and the rest of the ASA. I have a profound interest in cosmology, radio interferometry, and Australia’s role in science.

Dr Manisha Caleb, The University of Sydney

I’m Manisha Caleb, a DECRA Fellow and Senior Lecturer at the University of Sydney. As the University of Sydney representative to Astronomy Australia Limited, I’m passionate about advocating for increased support and funding for astronomy. As a radio astronomer involved in the SKA through facilities like ASKAP and MeerKAT, I’m committed to inspiring the next generation of scientists. I’m standing for election to the ASA Council because I want to help shape the future of Australian astronomy. I will advocate for early-career researchers, transparent funding and hiring practices, and a more inclusive and accountable research culture. The ASA has an important role to play in representing the interests and diversity of the astronomical community, and I hope to contribute to that mission through active and thoughtful service on the Council.

Professor Christoph Federrath, Australian National University

Federrath’s research focuses on the formation of stars, using theoretical models and supercomputer simulations of molecular clouds — the birthplaces of stars. A key aspect of this work is comparing simulations run on thousands of compute cores with real observations of galactic clouds. As an ASA Council member, Federrath brings strong representation for the theoretical community, along with a commitment to bridging theory and observation. Having previously served on ASAC and ASTAC, Federrath has a solid understanding of the priorities across Australian and international astronomy. After two years on Council, Federrath is seeking re-election to continue contributing to the ASA’s mission.

Professor Karl Glazebrook, Swinburne University

My interest in serving on the ASA Council is driven by a strong commitment to supporting Australian astronomy through a critical period of infrastructure renewal and new facility development. As a Distinguished Professor at Swinburne and former Director of its Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing, I’ve led diverse teams and contributed to major initiatives. My prior role at the Anglo-Australian Observatory and six years on the AAL board have provided deep experience in strategy, advocacy, and funding. With no current service conflicts, I’m ready to contribute time and experience to help the ASA navigate key decisions and deliver real value to its members.

Associate Professor Christian Reichardt, University of Melbourne

I look forward to the opportunity to contribute back to the community as a council member, and to help continue the ASA’s work in promoting astronomy and strengthening the bonds the connect our community. I recognise that we face a time of uncertainty across our international linkages, including the future of the ESO partnership, and am dedicated to achieving the best outcome for our science and our community. I have worked previously in the steering committee of the ECR chapter and have co-chaired the organisation of the 2021 ASM. I have also filled management roles in several large international collaborations.

Dr Nick Seymour, ICRAR (Curtin)

Over 14 years as a member of the ASA I have really come to value the close-knit and collaborative nature of the Australian astronomy community. With more than a decade of experience teaching at all undergraduate levels and coordinating HDR students at Curtin, I care deeply about how we support the next generation of astronomers from undergrads to postgrads and early-career researchers. I am keen to see how the ASA can build on the Decadal Plan to improve support in these areas. I am also a strong advocate for the need to promote sustainable, flexible career pathways within and beyond academia.

Dr O Ivy Wong, CSIRO Space & Astronomy

I am Ivy Wong, a staff astronomer at the Australia Telescope National Facility, CSIRO in Perth, WA.  I have been an ASA member for over 20 years (ever since I was an undergraduate student). I was previously a steering committee member of the ASA’s ECR chapter, and volunteer as a mentor for the ASA ECR chapter’s annual meet-a-mentor programme.  In addition to being a member of the IDEA chapter, I advocate for greater equity and inclusiveness in all that we do within our community.

Professor Daniel Zucker, Macquarie University

Australian astronomy is at a pivotal time, on many fronts. The financial crises confronting many Australian universities, the uncertainty surrounding funding for astronomical facilities, and the culture wars seeking to reverse progress toward improving equity, diversity and inclusion in academia and society all pose challenges to advancing research and the scientific careers that power that research. I would like to join the ASA Council because, as the peak body for Australian astronomy, I believe the ASA can play an important role in advocating on behalf of the astronomical community and its members in the face of all these headwinds.