AARC welcomes Co-chairs
Autism CRC warmly congratulates Gerard Atkinson and Jessica Harrison on their appointment as Australasian Autism Research Council (AARC) Co-chairs for 2026. Gerald and Jessica were elected at the first meeting of the AARC in 2026 when it met in February.
About Gerard
Gerard is an experienced executive, consultant, and board director who works with organisations across business, government, and the not‑for‑profit sector. He specialises in evaluation, social impact measurement, strategy, financial and operational modelling and data‑driven decision‑making, including the practical use of artificial intelligence.
Gerard is autistic and an advocate for supporting neurodiversity in the workplace and the wider community and has been a board member and chair for a number of Australian not-for-profits and an advisor on multiple committees on diversity, equity and inclusion in the research and evaluation community.
“The AARC is a successful example of a community-led, inclusive approach to guiding research and evaluation that impacts the autism community. This is needed more than ever, as we see the growth in translation of research to practice and policy, and I am proud to help lead this group and its contribution to the community." Gerard Atkinson
About Jessica
Jessica is a PhD candidate at the University of Southern Queensland, focusing on empathy measurement in autism and was previously a Board Member at ASAN AUNZ.
Jessica’s PhD focuses on Empathy Measurement, where they have critically evaluated the empirical basis for the measures that have informed the “empathy deficit” stereotype of autism. Jessica is currently working to produce a new, measure to evaluate empathy and, to ultimately, produce a greater understanding of empathy in autistic adults.
“I have enjoyed my continuing involvement in the AARC and am honoured to Co-chair alongside Gerard. We have the privilege of leading a group of incredibly dedicated AARC Members as we contribute to a clear view of autism research priorities in Australia and New Zealand.” Jessica Harrison
We look forward to seeing the work and important insights of the AARC this year and beyond under the leadership of Jessica and Gerard.
For more information visit the AARC page.
See the full 2026 AARC membership.
