Australian Astronomical Optics (AAO) marked a significant milestone on April 29 with the launch of its 2025-2034 Strategic Plan titled ‘Bridging Eras’ — a vision that reflects AAO’s proud legacy and bold future.
AAO is ambitiously bridging eras to shape a future of global leadership in scientific instrumentation and research, driving impact and inspiring the next generation through strategic collaboration and innovation. Read the strategic plan here.
The launch event celebrated AAO’s 50-year history of excellence in astronomical instrumentation, software, data technologies and research, while outlining the vision for the future as the organisation prepares to relocate to the University’s Wallumattagal Campus later this year.
The plan sets a path for AAO as a technology-focused research group at Macquarie University, supporting a culture of innovation, discovery, and deeper integration within the university ecosystem. It outlines a clear direction across stabilisation, scaling, and sustained growth phases, aiming to drive technological innovation, scientific discovery, and strategic collaboration over the next decade.
Around 100 guests, including AAO staff, researchers, executives and industry partners were welcomed by AAO Director, Professor Richard McDermid, who commended staff across the AAO who contributed to the strategic plan. “This strategy will help us bridge from our historic past into our bright future,” he said.
Vice Chancellor Professor Bruce Dowton’s address to the group praised AAO’s strengths in design and manufacturing excellence, along with a remarkable ability to work across boundaries and collaborate with international partners to open up opportunities for increased capabilities and innovation.
Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering Professor Samuel Muller described the important role that AAO plays, not just in the Faculty and University, but also via the global impact of its work, helping to expand humanity’s understanding of the universe around us.
Professor Muller described his own introduction to astronomy in Switzerland via an outdoor educational exhibit that created a scale model of the solar system. “The experience captivated me as a child – and still does today,” he said. “Astronomy’s past, present and future inspires us; so as we move into the next decade, let’s remember that opportunity lies in this deep inspiration.”
Dr Lyle Roberts, Head of Photonics and Systems at Advanced Navigation, a strategic industry partner of AAO, spoke about the development of the moon-destined LUNA laser sensor, said his company’s collaboration with AAO had been transformative, inspiring change and spawning new ideas across Advanced Navigation’s broader operations.
NSW Chief Scientist Dr Hugh Durrant-Whyte lauded AAO for its world-class technical expertise. “AAO does amazing things with optics and electronics to make complex and important pieces of engineering and technology,” he said, adding there was ‘huge potential’ for the organisation to wield a broader impact on Australian manufacturing and skills development.
AAO Director Professor Richard McDermid thanked the university leadership and faculty members for their support in developing the plan, which he described as a collaborative effort reflecting AAO’s values.
He added that the plan will allow AAO to continue contributing to Australia’s growing space industry— projected to reach $12 billion and support around 30,000 jobs by 2030— while continuing to drive progress in the astronomy sector by providing world-class instrumentation and expertise to the global research community.
