Expressions of Interest are now open
Do you care about autism research in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand?
Expressions of Interest are now open for people from Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand to join the Australasian Autism Research Council (AARC). The AARC includes people who are:
- autistic
- families and carers of autistic people
- organisations and professionals that help autistic people
- part of the government
This year, we are looking for people who:
- work for the Australian Commonwealth government. This should be a department or agency that provide services to autistic people.
- work for the Aotearoa New Zealand national government. This could be a department or agency that provide services to autistic people.
We are also looking for people who:
- are autistic and have high and complex support needs, or people who work with or support them.
- are autistic and First Nations or Māori, or people who work with or support them.
What do AARC members do?
AARC members work together to make sure that researchers understand the research priorities for autistic people and their supporters. They take part in discussions, read and comment and documents, and help guide projects.
Responsibilities
- How long you are a member? You are a member for 3 years, and members can ask to keep being members after the 3 years end.
- How often do you meet? The AARC meets 3 to 8 times a year.
- How would I take part? The meetings are online and you can join a video meeting or read and give feedback over 1-week. There is no travel and no in-person meetings.
You can find more information about what being an AARC member involves in our Terms of Reference.
How do I apply to be on the AARC?
You can apply by clicking the button below.
The AARC has a document called a Terms of Reference which explains what the AARC is and the rules that members need to follow. AARC members have to agree to follow the rules in the document, so it’s important to read it before you apply to join the AARC.
You can also include a letter of support when you put in your Expression of Interest. To find out how to do this, check the FAQs below.
If you don’t know what something means in the Terms of Reference, you can ask someone or send an email to aarc@autismcrc.com.au.
Applications close: Tuesday 21 October 2025, 11:59pm (AEST)
People will be told if they are being invited to join the AARC by email by 22 December 2025.
Accessibility
If filling out an online form is not accessible for you, or you want to share your access needs or ask questions before applying, you can send an email to aarc@autismcrc.com.au. You don’t need to tell us your access needs if you don’t want to.
If you join the AARC, you will need to be able to read and comment on written documents, or be able to do these things with help. This help could come from a support worker, communication partner or technology such as a screen reader.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can apply. However, we will preference suitable nominees that represent, or are, one of the four nominated groups in order to fulfill the Terms of Reference and ensure community representation.
The AARC holds its meetings online through a combination of an online forum and a virtual meeting. The online forum is open for at least 7 days and the virtual meeting runs from an hour to 90 minutes. Some members have also chosen to contribute via email or by recording a video of themselves to share with the rest of the group.
It is up to each member how they would like to participate. The agenda and papers are sent out one week before the meeting.
Full meetings of the AARC take place between 3 and 8 times a year.
In addition to full meetings of the AARC, members may also be invited to additional meetings relevant to any project work being undertaken on behalf of the Council. Matters may also be considered out of session via email or an online poll.
The AARC can have up to 15 members. This round there are a maximum of 5 positions available. Not all of the available positions will necessarily be filled by new candidates. Renominating AARC members can be appointed to up to half of the vacant positions.
Yes. Letters of support can be sent by email to aarc@autismcrc.com.au.
If they are submitted by email, please put the applicant's name in the subject line of the email.
Letters of support are optional, but are encouraged if the nominee is representing an organisation.
Applicants do not need to be employees of the supporting organisation. For example, a volunteer or advisory group member may be supported.
Please note that only one letter will be accepted per applicant.
The Australasian Autism Research Council (AARC) operates under the auspices of Autism CRC, providing a regular and organised mechanism to:
- consult on the state of autism research in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand;
- identify priorities for autism research in an Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand context;
- report on priorities for autism research in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand;
- inform funding strategies for autism research in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.