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Expressions of Interest (EOIs) are now open
Are you passionate about shaping autism research priorities across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand?
Expressions of Interest are now open for members of the autistic and broader autism communities in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand to nominate for the Australasian Autism Research Council (AARC). This includes autistic people, families and carers, service providers, health and education professionals, government representatives, and researchers.
To ensure a breadth of community representation in line with the Terms of Reference, this year we are seeking nominations from:
- Representatives of Australian Commonwealth government departments or agencies delivering services to members of the autistic community, preferably with a broad portfolio view, e.g. disability, education and health.
- Representatives of Aotearoa New Zealand national government departments or agencies delivering services to members of the autistic community, preferably with a broad portfolio view, e.g. disability, education and health.
- People with lived experience or direct engagement with autistic individuals with high and complex support needs.
- People with lived experience or direct engagement with First Nations peoples in Australia and/or autistic/tāngata whaitakiwātanga Māori peoples in Aotearoa New Zealand.
What does the role involve?
AARC members work together to identify and report on autism research priorities across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. This includes contributing to discussions, reviewing documents, and recommending projects for commissioning, guided by both autism research and community consultation.
Responsibilities
- Terms: Each member serves a 3-year term, with the option to renominate.
- Meetings: There are 3 to 8 meetings each year which take place online.
- Participation: Participation is flexible and remote, with no travel or face-to-face meetings required.
How do I apply?
You can apply by clicking the button below.
Applications close: Tuesday 21 October 2025, 11:59pm (AEST)
Before applying, please read the Terms of Reference. You are also welcome to submit a letter of support. More information about how to submit a letter of support can be found in the FAQs below.
If you have any questions, please email the AARC secretariat at aarc@autismcrc.com.au.
Applicants will be notified of the outcome via email by Monday 22 December 2025.
Accessibility
If the online form isn’t accessible for you, or you’d like to discuss your access needs for participating in the AARC, please email aarc@autismcrc.com.au. You are not required to disclose your access needs in advance, but you’re more than welcome to.
Please note that AARC members must be able to read and comment on written documents, or be supported to do so. Support may include assistance from support workers, communication partners or technology such as screen readers.
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.