In 2020 the Science Committee completed the process of conducting comprehensive reviews of each of the Centre’s research platforms. This involved each platform leader preparing detailed reports of progress to date and future plans for the platform, and presenting these to the Committee for review and feedback. Each of the platforms was provided with comprehensive feedback aimed at entrenching collaboration across platforms and our university nodes. The Science Committee was happy to see that each of the platforms have been progressing well and meeting their research goals, with exciting plans for the next years of the Centre.

Another key task of the Science Committee in 2020 was to roll out a cross-node postdoctoral researcher recruitment scheme. Each of the Centre’s CIs were invited to submit applications in collaboration with another CI or PI from a different node or partner organisation to receive funding for dedicated cross-node postdoctoral researchers. You can read more about the progress in the Cross Node Postdoc report.

In addition to the Cross-Node Postdoctoral Researcher Scheme, the Science Committee also manages the Science Research Fund. This is a centrally funded seed project scheme to provide funding for up to $30k for small projects that increase cross-node collaboration and support projects outside of the original project plan and will instrumentally develop and further the research objectives of the Centre.

The Science Committee is tasked with assessing how the Centre is achieving our goals, and determining how we can maintain our leading edge in new and exciting ways. The Committee also ensures Exciton Science is undertaking innovative and transformational research that will maintain our international standing in the field of light-driven technology.